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Long-term morbidity and mortality trials with amlodipine.
1University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine, 35294, USA.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|March 10, 1999
Summary
Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, is safe for heart failure patients and may reduce risks in those with nonischemic heart failure. Ongoing trials investigate its effects on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and renal disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Optimal hypertensive therapy requires evidence on cardiovascular events and mortality.
- Amlodipine, a third-generation calcium antagonist, is being evaluated for its effects on mortality and end-organ damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and efficacy of amlodipine in patients with hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
- To evaluate amlodipine's impact on mortality, morbidity, and end-organ damage across various cardiovascular conditions.
Main Methods:
- Prospective controlled clinical trials are central to the evaluation.
- Key trials include PRAISE (heart failure), ALLHAT (hypertension), ASCOT (high-risk patients), PREVENT (atherosclerosis), and AASK (renal disease).
Main Results:
- The completed PRAISE study found amlodipine safe in advanced heart failure (CHF), not increasing mortality or morbidity.
- Amlodipine significantly reduced risks in CHF patients with nonischemic etiology.
Conclusions:
- Amlodipine demonstrates safety in patients with advanced heart failure.
- Further ongoing trials will elucidate amlodipine's benefits in diverse cardiovascular patient populations.