Calcium antagonists and atherosclerosis. The Multicenter Isradipine/Diuretic Atherosclerosis Study

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C D Furberg1, N O Borhani, R P Byington

  • 1Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1063.

American Journal of Hypertension
|March 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

This clinical trial investigated if isradipine or hydrochlorothiazide could affect early carotid atherosclerosis progression in hypertensive patients. Results will reveal the impact of these common blood pressure medications on atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Hypertension is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis.
  • Early detection and management of atherosclerosis are crucial for preventing cardiovascular events.
  • The Multicenter Isradipine/Diuretic Atherosclerosis Study (MIDAS) addresses the need for comparative data on antihypertensive treatments' effects on atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of isradipine and hydrochlorothiazide on the progression or regression of early carotid atherosclerosis.
  • To evaluate the impact of these medications on intimal-medial wall thickening in hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial involving 883 hypertensive patients.
  • B-mode ultrasonography was used to measure carotid intimal-medial wall thickness at baseline and every six months for 36 months.
  • Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, race, blood pressure, and lipid levels, were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Baseline intimal-medial thickness averaged 1.17 +/- 0.20 mm, with the thickest lesion at 2.11 +/- 0.51 mm.
  • Cross-sectional analysis indicated that intimal-medial thickness correlates with male gender, age, smoking, LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and white blood cell count.
  • Risk factors for coronary artery disease were balanced between the isradipine and hydrochlorothiazide groups at baseline.

Conclusions:

  • The study is designed to provide valuable insights into the differential effects of isradipine and hydrochlorothiazide on atherosclerosis.
  • Findings will inform clinical practice regarding antihypertensive medication choices for patients with early atherosclerosis.

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