In a nutshell
This study investigated a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of atorvastatin (Lipitor), perindopril (Coversyl) and amlodipine (Norvasc) to treat patients with hypertension and high cholesterol levels.
They found that this combination was effective in reducing blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol levels.
Some background
Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a common condition. Hypertension is often diagnosed along with hypercholesterolemia (HC). HC is caused by too much cholesterol in the blood. This can lead to blockages in the blood vessels. Combining drugs with different mechanisms of action may help manage both conditions at the same time. Atorvastatin (ATS) is a drug that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. Perindopril (PDP) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It helps blood vessels relax and widen thus reducing BP. Amlodipine (ADP) is a calcium channel blocker. It also helps blood vessels to relax.
Fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs are sometimes developed for conditions like hypertension. FDC combine drugs at a specific dose and treatment is improved because it makes it easier for patients to adhere to it. It is unclear if an FDC of ATS/PDP/ADP (Valongix) is effective in managing hypertension and HC.
Methods & findings
This study included 5869 patients with hypertension and HC. Patiens were randomly assigned to one of five FDCs of ATS/PDP/ADP. Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) were measured. SBP is the pressure in the heart blood is bumped and DBP is BP when the heart is relaxed. BP measurements were performed at office visits and using a 24-hour monitor. Cholesterol levels were also analyzed. The study lasted 3 months.
After 3 months, an average office BP reduction of 26.3/11.6 mmHg was observed. Patients with higher baseline BP had greater reductions after treatment. 24-hour BP results were similar to office results. The most common FDCs were 20/5/5 mg (35.8% of patients) and 20/10/5 mg (28.9%). Cholesterol levels were also reduced, from 6.18 mmol/L to 5.16 mmol/L.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that ATS/PDP/ADP fixed combination reduced BP and cholesterol levels.
The fine print
This was an observational study. Some patient data was not available. The authors did not consider the previous drugs used by patients to treat hypertension.
What’s next?
If you have any concerns regarding hypertension management please discuss this with your doctor.
Published By :
Advances in therapy
Date :
Jun 10, 2019
