A comparison of lisinopril and atenolol in black and Indian patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension.

The effects of lisinopril (MK-521; MSD) and atenolol in the treatment of mild-to-moderate essential hypertension were compared in a double-blind, parallel, controlled study, with 24 patients randomly assigned to lisinopril and 12 to atenolol. Patients in both groups whose blood pressure did not respond satisfactorily were given hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The groups were matched for age, race and pretreatment blood pressure. Response to therapy was similar in the atenolol and lisinopril groups, but the combination of lisinopril and HCTZ produced a better response than atenolol plus HCTZ. Indian patients appeared to respond better to lisinopril than black patients, but the hypotensive response to lisinopril plus HCTZ was similar. Plasma renin activity rose and the plasma aldosterone level fell after taking lisinopril. Adverse effects did not occur and only 1 patient on lisinopril 20 mg/d was withdrawn from the study because of postural hypotension. Lisinopril alone and combined with HCTZ in Indian patients and lisinopril combined with HCTZ in black patients produced a satisfactory fall in blood pressure.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes