Combination drugs more effective in treating blood pressure, says study | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a finding that could change the way hypertension is treated among Indians, a new study has shown that single pills containing a combination of blood pressure-lowering drugs are safe and effective.
It is important because conventional practice encourages starting a patient on a single antihypertensive medication, increasing the dosage depending on whether blood pressure is controlled or not, and, if both fail, other combinations are introduced, says Dr Ambuj Roy, professor of cardiology at AIIMS and co-leader of the study, said.
In the study, conducted by AIIMS Delhi, Center for Chronic Disease Control Delhi and Imperial College London, researchers assigned nearly 2,000 people with high blood pressure to one of three treatment groups – to receive a single pill, often called a polypill, including a combination of two commonly recommended medications.
Each of the three groups of participants was prescribed a pill that combined two of these medications: an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (perindopril), which prevents the arteries from narrowing; calcium channel blockers (amlodipine), which prevent calcium from entering the heart muscle and arteries; and/or diuretics (indapamide), which help the body excrete excess salt and water.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the primary outcome measure was 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure after taking the pill for six months. The analysis showed that all three combinations reduced blood pressure equally, with about 70% of participants achieving blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg, the statement said. More than 40% of participants achieved the more stringent target of less than 130/80 mm Hg, it added.