A comparison of the effects of fixed dose vs. single-agent combinations on 24-h blood pressure variability.

In addition to high blood pressure (BP), BP variability has recently also been shown to increase cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of valsartan/amlodipine and a valsartan- and amlodipine-free drug combination on 24-h BPV. A total of 85 patients aged 18 or older and with no exclusion criteria were enrolled; of the 85 patients, 43 used the FDCs valsartan/amlodipine (160/10 mg) and 42 used a free drug combination of valsartan 160 mg and amlodipine 10 mg.