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Diovan (Valsartan) Reduces Systolic Hypertension In The Elderly LONDON, UK -- March 3, 2000 -- The results of a new study underscore the effectiveness of Diovan(R) (valsartan) in treating hypertension by reducing not only diastolic, but also systolic blood pressure, one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular complications in older patients. The findings were presented here at the 3rd International Symposium on Angiotensin II Antagonism. "Systolic blood pressure is a strong predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the elderly," said Joel Neutel, MD, Orange County Heart Institute and Research Center, Orange County, CA, one of the study authors. "Since the incidence of hypertension -- especially systolic hypertension -- increases with age, efficacious treatment is critical to this patient population." The study showed that Diovan is effective in reducing blood pressure in elderly patients (n = 139 and age greater than or equal to 65 years) with systolic hypertension who may or may not have elevated diastolic blood pressure. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients received either Diovan 80 mg or placebo for four weeks, and were titrated to a 160 mg dose of Diovan or placebo for four additional weeks. Approximately 50 percent of patients had isolated systolic hypertension. Diovan reduced systolic blood pressure by 19.2 mmHg versus 8.8 mmHg for placebo. Additionally, Diovan produced a statistically significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure when compared to placebo, 5.2 mmHg versus 1.2 mmHg, respectively. In the study, the drug-related side effect rate for valsartan was comparable to placebo. The importance of controlling high blood pressure (HBP), particularly isolated systolic hypertension, to maintain cardiovascular health was identified by the Framingham Heart Study, a landmark trial directed by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. In 1988, the milestone study found that isolated systolic hypertension increased the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death and serious illness in the U.S. Controlling the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease is becoming even more critical as the world population continues to age. The United Nations expects that by the year 2050, there will be nearly two billion people in the world 60 years and older. Today, according to the U.N.'s Population Division, one of every 10 persons living is age 60 or older, but by the year 2050, that ratio will double to one of 5. Diovan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) indicated for the treatment of hypertension. As with all drugs that act on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), Diovan can cause injury and even death to the developing fetus when used in pregnancy during the second and third trimesters. When pregnancy is detected, Diovan should be discontinued as soon as possible. Related links: Diovan. E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version