Impact of different anticoagulation management strategies on outcomes in atrial fibrillation: Dutch and Belgian results from the GARFIELD-AF registry.

Background: The uptake rate of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOAC) for the treatment of non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) was far lower in the Netherlands (NL) compared to Belgium (BE). Also, patients on VKA in NL were treated with a higher target international normalized ratio (INR) range of 2.5 to 3.

Effects of amlodipine and lisinopril on intima-media thickness in previously untreated, elderly hypertensive patients (the ELVERA trial).

Objective: To compare the effects of the calcium channel blocker amlodipine and the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor lisinopril on intima-media thickness (IMT) in elderly, previously untreated hypertensive individuals.

Design: A double-blind randomized parallel-group trial (the ELVERA trial).

Patients: The study population comprised 166 newly diagnosed hypertensive individuals (aged 60-75 years) with diastolic blood pressure between 95 and 115 mmHg or systolic blood pressure between 160 and 220 mmHg, or both.

Effects of nifedipine on carotid and femoral arterial wall thickness in previously untreated hypertensive patients.

Background: Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that calcium-channel blockers may retard the atherosclerotic process after long-term treatment. Whether these effects exist after intermediate-term treatment in hypertensive patients is mainly unknown.

Objective: To determine the 26-week effects of the long-acting calcium-channel blocker nifedipine on intima media thickness (IMT) in newly found hypertensive patients.