Dorval, Quebec, October 19, 2009 — Data from the independent KYOTO HEART study shows that adding Diovan (valsartan) to conventional treatment to improve blood pressure control may improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high blood pressure at high risk of cardiovascular events.
Presented recently at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress in Barcelona, Spain, and published online in the European Heart Journal, the study showed that Diovan* (valsartan) added to conventional treatment, provided a significant 45% relative risk reduction in cardiovascular events,1 including stroke, compared to conventional treatment.1
“This study followed high risk patients commonly seen in clinical practice and while the results reinforce that getting blood pressure down is important, choosing the right treatment to get there is vital because some medicines have additional protective benefits,” said Dr. Parmjit Sohal, MD, PhD, CCFP, FCFP, a family physician and a clinical assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.
Diovan* (valsartan) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a class of medication used for controlling high blood pressure. It controls high blood pressure by blocking the action of angiotensin II. As a result, the blood vessels dilate and blood pressure is reduced.
Details about the study
A total of 3,031 Japanese patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure either with no treatment or on a previous non-ARB-based regimen and with one or more pre-defined cardiovascular risk factors (e.g. existing diabetes, obesity, smokers, or a history of cardiovascular disease) took part in the study. Patients were randomized to receive either additional treatment with Diovan* (valsartan) or a non-ARB conventional therapy.
The primary study endpoint was a composite of defined cardio- and cerebrovascular events including stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and hospitalization for heart failure or angina (chest pain).2 Compared with the non-ARB arm, fewer individuals in the valsartan arm reached the primary endpoint.
The reduction in the composite primary endpoint was largely due to a 45% reduction observed in the risk of stroke and a 49% reduction in the risk of angina.1
What does this mean for South Asians?
General changes in lifestyle throughout East Asia in recent years has resulted in the Japanese risk profile becoming more similar to that of other populations. “KYOTO HEART enrolled patients with high rates of metabolic syndrome and obesity, and numerous smokers,” said Dr. Sohal. “For this reason, the results of this study may not only be relevant to patients with high blood pressure in Japan, but also other populations like South Asians where such risk factors are highly prevalent.”
The study was prematurely stopped after a median observation time of 3.27 years. This was for ethical reasons because of unequivocal benefit in the Diovan* (valsartan) group.
More details on Diovan*
Approved in Canada in 1997, Diovan* (valsartan) is a selective ARB, and is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension. Diovan* may be administered alone, or in combination with thiazide diuretics or as a fixed dose combination called Diovan*-HCT. Diovan* is also approved to reduce cardiovascular mortality in clinically stable patients with signs and symptoms of left ventricular dysfunction in conjunction with acute myocardial infarction when the use of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) is not appropriate. Diovan* is also approved for use in patients with chronic heart failure who have been shown to be intolerant to an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor. There is no evidence that Diovan* provides added benefits when it is used with ACE inhibitors. Diovan* is not approved to reduce the risk of stroke or angina pectoris.
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*Diovan is a registered trademark
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