A comparison of outcomes with angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and diuretics for hypertension in the elderly

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Treatment of hypertension with diuretics, beta-blockers, or both leads to improved outcomes. It has been postulated that agents that inhibit the renin-angiotensin system confer benefit beyond the reduction of blood pressure alone. We compared the outcomes in older subjects with hypertension who were treated with angiotensin-convertingenzyme (ACE) inhibitors with the outcomes in those treated with diuretic agents. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, open-label study with blinded assessment of end points in 6083 subjects with hypertension who were 65 to 84 years ofage and received health care at 1594 family practices. Subjects were followed for a median of 4.1 years, a..