Issues of clinical trial design and data interpretations in hypertension.

There are many drug studies for the treatment of hypertension. Most studies compare one drug with another to determine if a drug or class of drugs have unique benefits. In evaluating drug trials, separation of hypertension as compared with atherosclerotic events is important. Trials that focus on prevention of hypertension, especially with new noninvasive markers, may have a bigger part in reducing morbidity and mortality due to elevated blood pressure.