Ambulatory monitoring of systolic hypertension in the elderly: Eprosartan/hydrochlorothiazide compared with losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (INSIST trial).

Introduction: Systolic hypertension is very common in the elderly and is strongly associated with the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The control of systolic hypertension is difficult and most patients require combination antihypertensive therapy. Few data are available regarding the efficacy of angiotensin II receptor antagonists on systolic hypertension of the elderly.

Blood pressure is insufficiently controlled in European patients with established coronary heart disease.

Background: Elevated blood pressure is associated with an impaired prognosis in patients with established coronary heart disease. Adequate blood pressure control is therefore of utmost importance. We report on two successive European surveys that evaluated whether the goals given in recommendations on secondary prevention are achieved.