Anti-hypertensives and lipid-lowering drugs to manage hypertension: results from long-term follow-up

This study investigated the long-term effects of blood pressure-lowering treatment (BP-LT) and lipid-lowering treatment (L-LT) in the management of hypertension. They found that BP-LT and L-LT improved survival rates in patients with hypertension.

Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a common condition. High BP can lead to the development of conditions such as heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to death. Managing BP involves a number of strategies. Medication and lifestyle changes can improve BP management.

There are two approaches to long-term hypertension treatment. One approach focuses on reducing BP levels using drugs (anti-hypertensives) in combination with other lifestyle changes. This can be called blood pressure-lowering treatment (BP-LT). The second approach involves using medication to lower lipid (fat) levels in the blood (e.g. statins). This reduces the risk of blockages in blood vessels that lead to heart attacks and stroke. This can be called lipid-lowering treatment (L-LT). It is unclear if BP-LT or L-LT is associated with long-term reduction in the risk of mortality (death).

This study included 19,257 patients with hypertension. 9,017 patients were under BP-LT and 10,240 were under BP-LT + L-LT. After 3.3. years, patients under L-LT stopped this protocol and continued on BP-LT. The BP-LT medications included amlodipine (AML, a calcium channel blocker) or atenolol (ATL, a beta-blocker). Atorvastatin (ATV) was used in L-LT patients and reduces lipid levels. 

Mortality rates were similar in AML- and ATL-treated patients in BP-LT groups (38.1% vs. 38.4%). Mortality rates were 21% lower in patients treated with ATV (L-LT protocol) and AML (BP-LT protocol), compared to ATL. Mortality rates were 15% lower in patients treated with ATV versus placebo. 

The authors concluded that long-term BP-LT and L-LT improved survival rates in patients with hypertension.

The information in this study covers an average follow-up period of 15.7 years. We do not know if mortality risk increases or decreases outside of this time frame. 

If you have any concerns regarding BP management, please discuss this with your doctor.