In the study, Diovan was added to conventional therapy to control blood pressure and protect against cardiovascular events and stroke. The results showed significant benefit with the use of, including a 39% decrease in cardiovascular events and a 40% decrease in stroke compared to conventional non-ARB therapy.
Furthermore, treatment was initiated in a population with an average starting blood pressure of 139/81 mmHg – already below the national guideline level for hypertension without comorbidities. The blood pressure target was set at 130/80 mmHg. The non-ARB group achieved 132/78 mmHg and the Diovan group achieved 131/77 mmHg. The Diovan group also showed a 65% reduction in angina pectoris, 46% in heart failure and 81% in aortic dissection.
The study was terminated earlier than anticipated due to superior outcomes for the Diovan group over the control group.