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Has ASCOT signalled the end for beta blockers as first-line antihypertensive agents?

The Surgery, Nevells Road, Letchworth, SG6 4TS, UK, kirbym{at}globalnet.co.uk

The blood pressure arm of the Anglo-Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) compared treatment with atenolol and bendroflumethiazide against amlodipine and perindopril. This trial has been terminated early due to the emergence of significant benefits in the latter arm. Preliminary data from this trial, presented at the American College of Cardiology's 2005 meeting, are summarised and their implications for UK clinical practice are discussed.

Key Words: hypertension • ASCOT • atenolol • amlodipine • cardiovascular disease.

References

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The British Journal of Diabetes & Vascular Disease, Vol. 5, No. 2, 100-102 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/14746514050050020801


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This Article Abstract Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Kirby, M. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?