Aims: The primary questions asked by the MEDINA (MEtabolic parameters, DIabetes mellitus and NephropAthy) study are: 1) Do angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) have any advantages over angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB)? 2) Should the other drug for combination be a diuretic or a calcium-channel blocker (CCB)? 3) How are the risks reduced by the co administration of a statin?
Methods: A total of 439 hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome and/or diabetes mellitus were randomized to 2 groups: group 1--ramipril (ACE-I) or perindopril and group 2--losartan (ARB). Hydrochlorothiazide (diuretic) or amlodipine (CCB) were added to both groups. As a third step, a statin was added.
Results: Blood pressure decreased 24.1/13.3 mmHg in the ACE inhibitor group and 25.9/13.5 in the losartan group. The difference was insignificant. Adding either hydrochlorothiazide or amlodipin was equally effective. There were no significant differences on metabolic parameters in the trial arms. Cholesterol level decreased by 0.95 mmol/L in the ACE-I group and 1.02 mmol/L in the ARB group (ns).
Conclusion: MEDINA has so far confirmed the equivalence of ACE-I and ARB in hypertension treatment. Adding either diuretic or CCB was equally effective. Our data support the current recommendations on adding a statin to reduce cardiovascular risk.