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MIDAS, the Multicenter Isradipine/Diuretic Atherosclerosis Study. Design features and baseline data

W B Applegate1, R P Byington

  • 1Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.

Insights

The Multicenter Isradipine/Diuretic Atherosclerosis Study (MIDAS) compared isradipine and hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension. It assessed their impact on carotid artery atherosclerosis progression in hypertensive patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis.
  • Controlling blood pressure is crucial for preventing cardiovascular events.
  • Early detection and management of carotid artery atherosclerosis are important.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of isradipine and hydrochlorothiazide in managing hypertension.
  • To evaluate the impact of these antihypertensive treatments on the progression of early extracranial carotid artery atherosclerosis.
  • To assess the role of enalapril as an add-on therapy for uncontrolled hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized, double-blind, active-control trial (MIDAS study) involving 883 hypertensive patients.
  • Treatment regimens included isradipine (2.5-5 mg BID) or hydrochlorothiazide (12.5-25 mg BID).
  • Patients with uncontrolled blood pressure received open-label enalapril (2.5-10 mg BID).
  • Inclusion criteria: age >40, carotid atherosclerosis (1.3-3.5 mm thickness), diastolic BP 90-115 mm Hg, LDL 130-189 mg/dL.
  • Monitoring included blood pressure, side effects, B-mode ultrasound of carotid arteries, ECG, and quality-of-life assessments.

Main Results:

  • The study enrolled 883 patients to evaluate isradipine versus hydrochlorothiazide.
  • Regular monitoring of blood pressure, atherosclerosis progression via ultrasound, ECG, and quality of life was conducted.
  • Add-on therapy with enalapril was used for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • The MIDAS study provides data on the comparative effectiveness of isradipine and hydrochlorothiazide in hypertensive patients.
  • It investigates the influence of these treatments on carotid artery atherosclerosis progression.
  • Findings contribute to understanding hypertension management strategies for cardiovascular risk reduction.

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