[The Hypertension Optimal Treatment (HOT) study: results of 12-month therapy related to age]
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1Medizinische Klinik, Krankenanstalten Gilead, Bielefeld.
Insights
The Hypertension Optimal Treatment study found that intensive blood pressure reduction is well-tolerated by most hypertensive patients. Further research will explore cardiovascular outcomes with targeted diastolic pressures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- The Hypertension Optimal Treatment (HOT) study is a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial involving 19,193 hypertensive patients across 26 countries.
- Key objectives include evaluating the impact of three diastolic pressure targets (< or = 90, < or = 85, < or = 80 mm Hg) on cardiovascular events.
- The study also assesses the efficacy of low-dose aspirin (75 mg daily) versus placebo in reducing morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relationship between specific diastolic blood pressure targets and cardiovascular morbidity/mortality in hypertensive individuals.
- To investigate the effect of low-dose aspirin on cardiovascular outcomes compared to placebo.
- To assess the tolerability and feasibility of intensive blood pressure management strategies.
Main Methods:
- 19,193 patients aged 50-80 years with diastolic blood pressure between 100-115 mm Hg were randomized.
- Treatment initiated with felodipine, escalating to combination therapy with ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, and diuretics as needed.
- Patients were assigned to target diastolic pressures of < or = 90, < or = 85, or < or = 80 mm Hg.
Main Results:
- After 12 months, average diastolic pressures achieved were 86, 83, and 81 mm Hg for the respective target groups.
- Target attainment rates were 84% (<90 mmHg), 72% (<85 mmHg), and 57% (<80 mmHg), with higher rates in elderly patients.
- Treatment was generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including ankle edema and cough, occurring in a small percentage of patients.
Conclusions:
- One-year results demonstrate that intensive blood pressure reduction is achievable and well-tolerated in the majority of hypertensive patients.
- These findings support the feasibility of pursuing lower diastolic pressure targets.
- The study provides a foundation for answering the primary research questions regarding cardiovascular outcomes.
Background And Objective:
The prospective, randomized multicentre HOT study (Hypertension Optimal Treatment) is at present being undertaken in 26 countries. The cardinal questions to be answered were: (1) the relationship between three targeted diastolic pressures (< or = 90, < or = 85 and < or = 80 mm Hg, respectively) and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rates among hypertensives; and (2) the effect of low dosage aspirin (75 mg daily) on morbidity and mortality rates, compared with a placebo.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 19,193 patients (9056 women, 10,137 men; age range 50-80 years) with a diastolic blood pressure of > or = 100 to < or = 115 mm Hg were randomized. Antihypertensive treatment was begun with the calcium-channel blocker felodipine (5 mg once daily; step 1). When the target could not be reached at this dosage, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or beta-receptor blocker was added (stage two), after which felodipine, 10 mg daily, could be given, if necessary (step 3). Any necessary changes in dosage (step 4) were made according to a prescribed plan. As fifth and final step a diuretic could be additionally administered. One-year results are now available for all patients and reported here. Results of older patients (> or = 65 years, n = 6113) were compared to those of younger patients (< 65 years, n = 13,080).
Results:
Average diastolic pressure in the previously < or = 90 mm Hg group had been reduced to 86 mm Hg, in the < or = 85 group to 83 mm Hg, and in the < or 80 mm Hg group to 81 mm Hg. The percentage proportion of patients in whom the targeted pressures had been reached after 12 months of treatment were: 84% for the < 90 mm Hg group, 72% in the < 85 mm Hg group and 57% in the < 80 mm Hg group. In a subgroup of elderly patients (> 65 years, n = 6113) the corresponding percentage proportions were higher: 86%, 76% and 61%. Side effects were noted only rarely, despite the intensive treatment (> 65 years and < 65 years): ankle oedema in 2.6% and 3.0%; and cough in 1.3 and 0.8%, an overall incidence of > or = 1%. The same treatment (with felodipine) was still being given after one year to 88% of all patients.
Conclusion:
These results after one year indicate that most patients well tolerate consistent blood pressure reduction. This raises the hope that the primary questions of the study can be answered.
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