Meta-analysis of three observational studies of amlodipine/valsartan in hypertensive patients with additional risk factors.

Objectives: In this study, the effectiveness of amlodipine/valsartan single-pill combination was assessed in hypertensive patients with diabetes, metabolic risk or overweight.

Methods: Data from 12,265 patients treated with amlodipine/valsartan from three studies were analyzed in a meta-analysis. These studies focused on (i) non-diabetic hypertensive patients suffering from abdominal obesity; (ii) hypertensive patients with at least one metabolic risk factor; and (iii) hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The observation periods were 16 weeks for the first two and 24 weeks for the latter cohort.

Results: At start of observation, the mean blood pressure was 162.3 mmHg (systolic) and 93.5 mmHg (diastolic). A total of 7.4% of patients were aged ≥ 80 years. At end of the observation, a normalized blood pressure was present in 38.8% of patients. No appreciable differences in blood pressure reduction were evident between the study groups. In both age subgroups (< 80 years and ≥ 80 years) blood pressure reduction was comparable. Tolerability was assessed by treating physicians as "very good" (69.3%) and "good" (27.3%).

Conclusions: In daily practice, treatment of hypertensive patients with additional risk factors with amlodipine/valsartan single-pill combinations is well tolerated and associated with effective reduction of blood pressure.