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The combination therapy of hypertension to prevent cardiovascular events (COPE) trial: rationale and design

Toshio Ogihara1, Masunori Matsuzaki, Hiroaki Matsuoka

  • 1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan. ogihara@geriat.med.osaka-u.ac.jp

Hypertension Research : Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Hypertension
|September 6, 2005
PubMed

Insights

The Combination Therapy of Hypertension to Prevent Cardiovascular Events (COPE) trial compares antihypertensive drug combinations in Japanese patients. It aims to find the best combination for preventing cardiovascular events and controlling blood pressure with minimal side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Lowering blood pressure is clinically beneficial, but most hypertension patients need multiple drugs for optimal control.
  • Limited data exists on which antihypertensive combinations best prevent cardiovascular events and minimize adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To directly compare cardiovascular mortality and morbidity of different antihypertensive drug combinations.
  • To evaluate the incidence of adverse drug reactions and the degree of blood pressure reduction.
  • To provide evidence for selecting optimal combination therapies for hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • The Combination Therapy of Hypertension to Prevent Cardiovascular Events (COPE) trial is a large-scale, investigator-initiated, multicenter study.
  • It employs a prospective, randomized, open, blinded endpoint evaluation (PROBE) design.
  • Compares angiotensin receptor blockers, beta-blockers, or thiazide diuretics combined with benidipine hydrochloride in 3,000 Japanese hypertensive patients over 3 years.

Main Results:

  • Enrollment of 3,000 Japanese hypertensive patients from May 2003 to May 2006.
  • Follow-up duration of 3 years for each patient.
  • Data collection on cardiovascular events, adverse drug reactions, and blood pressure reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Results from the COPE trial are expected to offer new insights into effective hypertension management.
  • The study will guide the selection of optimal antihypertensive drug combinations for improved patient outcomes.

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