TROPHY STUDY RESULTS PRESENTED AT MEETING

Adults in pre-hypertensive range show benefit from preventive therapy Patients experiencing high normal blood pressure (HNBP), a precursor to hypertension, may benefit from early treatment with pharmacological therapy, according to new research presented at the American College of Cardiology's 55th Annual Scientific Session in Atlanta, Ga.

HNBP, often referred to as "prehypertension," is associated with double the normal risk of heart attacks and strokes. ACC.06 is the premier cardiovascular medical meeting, bringing together more than 30,000 cardiologists to further breakthroughs in cardiovascular medicine.

The Trial of Preventing Hypertension (TROPHY) is a four-year, multicenter trial evaluating the safety and potential benefit of early drug therapy in patients with high normal blood pressure. A total of 785 patients in the trial were randomized to 16 mg of candesartan or placebo and underwent regular blood pressure screenings, along with non-pharmacological blood pressure lowering techniques. After two years, the drug-treated group was switched to placebo, and all continued on placebo for the remaining two years. Of the enrolled patients, 448 developed hypertension.