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Valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide for first-line therapy in hypertension

Yves Lacourcière1, Luc Poirier, Rita Samuel

  • 1Hypertension Research Unit, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université Laval, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada. yves.lacourciere@crchul.ulaval.ca

Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|December 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Many hypertension patients need combination therapy. A single-pill combination of valsartan and hydrochlorothiazide shows promise for first-line treatment, improving blood pressure control and adherence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Effective blood pressure control remains a challenge, with only about one-third of hypertensive patients achieving goal levels.
  • Most patients with hypertension require combination therapy for adequate blood pressure management.
  • Single-pill combinations offer potential for improved efficacy, tolerability, adherence, and cost-effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review randomized, double-blind trials evaluating the single-pill combination of valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide as first-line therapy for essential hypertension.

Main Methods:

  • Focus on randomized, double-blind trials.
  • Inclusion of patients with essential hypertension receiving valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide as first-line treatment.

Main Results:

  • The single-pill combination of valsartan plus hydrochlorothiazide was approved by the US FDA for first-line use.
  • This combination is indicated for hypertensive patients likely to require multiple drugs to reach blood pressure goals.

Conclusions:

  • The valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide single-pill combination represents a new approach for first-line hypertension management.
  • This strategy may enhance treatment adherence and accelerate achievement of blood pressure targets.

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