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Effect of losartan versus atenolol on aortic valve sclerosis (a LIFE substudy)

Michael H Olsen1, Kristian Wachtell, Jonathan N Bella

  • 1Glostrup University Hospital, Glostrup, Denmark. mho@dadlnet.dk

The American Journal of Cardiology
|October 13, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Neither losartan nor atenolol prevented aortic valve sclerosis progression in elderly hypertensive patients. Regression of this condition also failed to lower cardiovascular risk, indicating limited therapeutic benefit.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Aortic valve (AV) sclerosis is a common condition in elderly, high-risk hypertensive patients.
  • The progression of AV sclerosis may contribute to cardiovascular events.
  • Antihypertensive medications are widely used in this population, but their effect on AV sclerosis is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of losartan- and atenolol-based antihypertensive regimens in preventing the progression of AV sclerosis.
  • To determine if regression of AV sclerosis correlates with reduced cardiovascular risk.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving elderly, high-risk hypertensive patients.
  • Treatment arms included losartan-based and atenolol-based antihypertensive regimens.
  • Assessment of AV sclerosis progression and cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Neither losartan- nor atenolol-based regimens prevented the progression of aortic valve sclerosis.
  • Regression of AV sclerosis was observed in some patients but did not lead to a reduction in cardiovascular risk.

Conclusions:

  • Losartan and atenolol are ineffective in halting the progression of AV sclerosis in elderly hypertensive individuals.
  • Regression of AV sclerosis does not appear to mitigate cardiovascular risk in this patient group.

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