This study tests the efficacy of using a calcium channel blocker in elderly patients with isolated systemic hypertension. The study involves 4,695 patients from 198 centres in Europe. Participants in the trial were randomised to nitrendipine or placebo; enalapril or hydrochlorthiazide could be added if required - however most patients on nitrendipine remained on monotherapy during the study.
The use of nitrendipine cut the risk of stroke by 42% compared with placebo. There were also reductions in risk of cardiovascular events (fatal and non-fatal) by 29%, for fatal MI (56%). There was a non-significant reduction (14%) in all-cause mortality.
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