Safety and Efficacy of Valsartan vs Atenolol and Hydrochlorothiazide Combination on Blood Flow in Hypertensive Patients

A Randomized, Open-label, Multicenter, Cross-over Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of a 20 Week Treatment of Valsartan 320 mg Versus Atenolol 100 mg in Combination With Hydrochlorothiazide on Microcirculation in Hypertensive Patients

This study evaluated the effect of valsartan on small vessel blood flow in patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension in direct comparison to atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Caucasian; male or female outpatients and age between 40-65 years of age, inclusive.
• At Visit 2 all patients must have a mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (msSBP) of ≥ 90 mmHg and < 110 mmHg.

Exclusion Criteria:

• If a single reading for arterial hypertension in msSBP > 180 mmHg or msDBP > 110 mmHg at any visit after randomization.
• Inability to discontinue all prior antihypertensive medications safely for a period of 2 weeks prior to randomization.
• Known history of hypotensive symptoms or orthostatic hypotension.
• Concomitant use of statins or statin intake during the four weeks prior to Visit 1.
• Known Keith-Wagener grade III or IV hypertensive retinopathy.
• A history of heart failure (NYHA II-IV).