UK-led research could benefit millions with high blood pressure

New UK-led research has shown that starting treatment for high blood pressure with two medicines rather than the one produces better and faster results and fewer side effects.

 

 

The ‘ACCELERATE’ study, led by Professor Morris Brown of Cambridge University Hospitals and the University of Cambridge, challenges the popular medical practice for the treatment of high blood pressure. It is hoped the research, which was published in the Lancet as a collaboration between Cambridge, the British Hypertension Society and the Universities of Dundee and Glasgow, could change future clinical practice across the globe.

 

Traditionally, doctors begin treatment with one medicine, adding others over time if necessary. The study showed that starting treatment with a combination of two medicines resulted in improved and faster control of blood pressure and fewer side effects. To simplify treatment for patients, both medicines can be incorporated into a single pill.

 

Prof Brown said: “The ACCELERATE study breaks the mould for treating hypertension. Most patients can now be prescribed a single combination pill and know that they are optimally protected from strokes and heart attacks.”

 

The study of 1,250 patients showed that those starting treatment with a single tablet containing a combination of drugs will have a 25% better response during the first six months than patients receiving conventional treatment. They also experience fewer side effects and are less likely to stop their treatment as a result.

 

In addition, ACCELERATE showed that patients who switch from a single drug treatment (monotherapy) to combination therapy will also benefit, but not to the same level as those who began with combination therapy.

 

Prof Bryan Williams, of the British Hypertension Society, said: “This study is important and the findings could change the way we approach the treatment of high blood pressure.”

 

Currently there are almost ten million people in the UK with hypertension. As well as being extremely cost effective, effective treatment to lower their blood pressure also substantially reduces the risk of stroke and heart disease.  

 

 

 

 

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