Study: Popular blood pressure drugs less effective than cheaper alternative

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (CNN) -- One of the most commonly prescribed class of blood pressure medications is less effective in preventing heart attacks than other proven and less expensive drugs, according to a new study presented Tuesday.

Researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem analyzed data from more than 27,000 patients and found that those who took calcium channel blockers (CCBs) had a higher risk of heart attack or heart failure than patients who were using other antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics, which are far less expensive.

	HYPERTENSION:
description risk symptoms treatment prevention Choose a link above to learn more about hypertension. Source: WebMD
	KNOW THE NUMBERS
High systolic pressure (top number) means the maximum pressure within your arteries during each heartbeat is great enough to eventually damage vessel walls. High diastolic pressure (bottom number) means your heart and blood vessels don't relax well between beats. Normal -- Less than 130/ 85 mm Hg High-normal -- 130 to 139/85 to 89 mm Hg Hypertension -- Consistently greater than 140/90 mm Hg A desirable blood pressure level to achieve is 120 or less (systolic) over 80 or less (diastolic). Source: Mayo Clinic Health Oasis

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attacks, and lowering blood pressure has been shown to help reduce that risk.

Three classes of drugs are typically prescribed to patients with hypertension to help lower their blood pressure: ACE inhibitors, the most commonly prescribed; CCBs; and beta blockers. The less-expensive diuretics are sometimes prescribed instead of, or along with, these more popular drugs.

This latest research focused on CCBs and their effectiveness compared to diuretics. The results add to the growing body of evidence that, although CCBs lower blood pressure, they may not be the best choice to prevent heart attacks.

CCBs have been available in the United States for about 20 years and are used by an estimated 28 million people worldwide.

Pfizer, the manufacturer of Norvasc, the most popular calcium channel blocker, released a statement defending its drug. The company said more than 800 clinical trials involving nearly 400,000 patients prove that Norvasc is safe and effective.

Because Norvasc differs from other CCBs, Pfizer said Tuesday's findings could not be used to draw any conclusions about the drug. It said only a portion of the research featured Norvasc.

The Wake Forest researchers presented their findings Tuesday at the European Society of Cardiology meeting in Amsterdam.

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American Heart Association -- About Blood Pressure
American Medical Association -- High Blood Pressure

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