Washington, Apr 1: Researchers at University of Michigan have revealed that combination of two blood pressure drugs can effectively lower cardiovascular risk among hypertensive patients.

The randomized study showed that both drug combinations helped people who had high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors get their BP down to recommended levels.

The study was conducted over 10,700 people who were asked to take a single tablet that included two medications.

One group received a tablet containing benazepril, which is a type of drug called an ACE inhibitor, and amlodipine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers or CCBs. The other pill combined benazepril and hydrochloro-thiazide, a type of diuretic or ‘water pill’.

The findings revealed that the combination of ACE/CCB tablet reduced cardiovascular events by 20 percent.

ACE-CCB combination lowered cardiovascular risk more than ACE-diuretic combination, suggesting a need to change blood pressure control guidelines.

“These results demonstrate the superiority of an ACE/CCB pill fixed-dose combination treatment strategy for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and provides evidence that should modify future guidelines for the treatment of hypertension,” said Kenneth Jamerson, lead researcher of the study called ‘Accomplish’.

“These Accomplish results shake the foundations of current recommendations and define a new standard which will enhance the achievement of the primary goal and assist clinicians in meeting the daily challenges of hypertension management,” said Dr Eric J. Velazquez, Accomplish executive committee member and an Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University Medical Centre.

The new study was presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session in Chicago. (ANI)