In the case-control study, which included 1,305 relatively low-risk patients, researchers examined the association between three drug regimens – diuretics plus calcium channel blockers, diuretics plus beta-blockers and diuretics plus angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) — and MI or stroke.

Use of diuretics plus calcium channel blockers carried almost double the risk of MI (adjusted odds ratio 1.98, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.37–2.87) compared with diuretics plus beta-blockers. However, the risk of stroke was similar in the two regimens (OR 1.02, CI 0.63–1.64).

There was no significant difference in the risk of MI or stroke between users of diuretics plus ACE inhibitors or ARBs and diuretics plus beta-blockers, say the researchers.

The researchers note that their findings support current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines and conclude that a large trial of second-line antihypertensive treatments in patients already on low-dose diuretics is needed to provide a solid basis for treatment recommendations.

(Sumber : pjonline)