Clinical experience with perindopril in African-American hypertensive patients: a large United States community trial.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of hypertension is greater in African Americans, and management of this condition presents challenges for practicing physicians.


METHODS
The effectiveness and safety of perindopril was evaluated in hypertensive African-American patients (n = 1412) and hypertensive white patients (n = 7745) who had participated in a large United States community trial. Patients received perindopril 4 mg once daily for 6 weeks. Based on physicians' clinical judgment at week 6, the dose was either maintained or increased to 8 mg for an additional 6 weeks.


RESULTS
Reduction of blood pressure (BP) was significant with perindopril monotherapy (4 to 8 mg once daily) in African Americans and whites (P <.001). The magnitude of BP reduction was significantly more in whites (P <.001). Up-titration of perindopril achieved additional BP reduction in both ethnic groups (P <.001). Control of BP (<140/90 mm Hg) in elderly (>65 years of age) and diabetic African-Americans subgroups was achieved in 32.1% and 31.6%, respectively. Perindopril was safe and well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Perindopril monotherapy is effective and is a viable initial therapeutic option as an antihypertensive agent in African-American individuals with hypertension.
Cohn
Jay N
JN
Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota Medical School, Box 508, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. cohnx001@tc.umn.edu
Julius
Stevo
S
Neutel
Joel
J
Weber
Michael
M
Turlapaty
Prasad
P
Shen
Yannan
Y
Dong
Victor
V
Batchelor
Alicia
A
Guo
Weinong
W
Lagast
Hjalmar
H
D000368:Aged; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D044383:Black People; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000208:ethnology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020913:Perindopril / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D044465:White People; D001741:Black or African American
D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D020913:Perindopril