A large study on the high blood pressure treatment reveals that, treatment with the benazepril (ACE inhibitor) in combination with amlodipine (calcium channel blocker) provides better control on hypertension than treatment with benazepril plus hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic), in reducing the death rate due to cardiovascular diseases.

In this specific randomized, double-blind study, 11,506 hypertensive patients with high risk for heart problems were assigned to the above mentioned combinations.

Both combinations showed excellent rate for anti-hypertensive activity, the researchers noticed. However, obvious difference between-group was in the initial outcome. Death due to cardiovascular causes, led to early execution of the trial, within 36months.

“The most favorable combination of drug therapy for hypertension is not established, although current U.S. guidelines recommend inclusion of a diuretic,” researchers said.

With respect to better efficacy of amlodipine with clinical outcomes in this trial, they say, “It suggests that approaches, use of thiazide diuretic may be better for some populations. Nevertheless, these results should not cast doubt on the efficacy of diuretics in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.”

“Though the definite advantages may be provided by given drug combination,” the editorialist concludes, “the confirmation is overwhelming that the key feature of treatment is to normalize blood pressure. How this is achieved is less important.”