HVET study

Introduction

Study characteristics:

• 80+ years of age, mean age 84 years
• 3845 patients from Europe, China, Australasia, & Tunisia
• randomized study, placebo-controlled
• mean blood pressure 173/91 mm Hg

Treatment:

• treatment with indapamide SA 1.5 mg or placebo + perindopril 2-4 mg or placebo as necessary to achieve BP of 150/80

Results:

• BP lower in treatment group, mean 15/6 mm Hg
• allegedly, mean BP achieved in treatment group 143/78
• 30% reduction in mortality from stroke in treated group (p=0.046) 12.4 vs 17.7 per 1000 patient years
• number need to treat to prevent 1 stroke in 2 years = 100
• 21% reduction in all-cause mortality (p=0.02) (10% vs 12%)
• 64% reduction in heart failure
• fewer adverse effects in the treatment group (358 vs 448)
• another account says only 2 serious adverse events, both in the indapamide group
• trial halted early because of ethical concerns
• sponsored by manufacturer of study drugs