Comparison of ramipril against atenolol in controlling mild-to-moderate hypertension

This trial was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel-group, variable-dose study comparing ramipril with atenolol, and incorporating a 4-week run-in period on placebo. A total of 92 patients suffering from mild to moderate hypertension were randomized to the trial. Following a 4-week run-in period on placebo, newly diagnosed patients were only continued if their blood pressure remained within the defined range throughout the placebo run-in period. Known hypertensive patients who were safely switched to the trial therapy were only continued if their blood pressure was within the defined range at the end of this placebo washout period. An analysis of the data at baseline showed no statistical differences between treatment groups. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced from baseline in each group, but there were no differences between treatments. The study showed that ramipril and atenolol were both successful at reducing and controlling mild-to-moderate hypertension, but it showed no difference between treatments.