Hypertension is a common disease affecting millions of people
worldwide. It is a significant risk factor for stroke, heart disease
and kidney failure. Blood pressure control with medications decreases
the incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
In this study, we aim to show that Lotrel (combination of amlodipine
and benazepril) is superior to the combination of benazepril and
HCTZ (hydrochlorthiazide) in high-risk hypertensive patients in
delaying fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular (heart related) events.
This study will be conducted in 500 centers in the United States
and in 200 centers in Scandinavia. A total of 12,600 subjects will
be enrolled in this study which may last as long as five years.
Male and female subjects of any racial background can participate
in this study. To be eligible you have to be at least 60 years
or older, have high blood pressure, and have atleast one other
cardiovascular disease or a target organ (e.g. kidney, heart) damage.