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| |  The two-year follow-up study included 1,414 patients in 90 centers throughout Italy. The main objective was to evaluate the anti-hypertensive efficacy, tolerability and cardiovascular events incidence of slow-release Verapamil 240 mg compared to the diuretic, Chlorthalidone 25 mg. Patients not responding to monotherapy were given an ACE-inhibitor in combination. The researchers also evaluated the effect of Verapamil on the evolution of the atherosclerotic process by using a carotid ultrasound technique. Dr. Alberto Zanchetti, Director of the Clinical Physiology and Hypertension Institute at the University of Milan, and chairman of the Study’s Scientific Committee, illustrated the results obtained with a subgroup of 500 patients evaluated for a period of four years. The results of this study demonstrate that treatment with Verapamil reduces the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. The incidence of cardiovascular events during the four-year follow-up was lower with Verapamil than with Chlorthalidone. This difference was statistically significant in patients with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events, who presented with atherosclerotic lesions at baseline. The treatment was well tolerated. Dr. Zanchetti concluded his presentation stating that the results of the VHAS Study suggest that calcium antagonists such as Verapamil offer advantages over standard diuretic therapy. |
