Background

Diabetes mellitus doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, even in patients with hypertension who are
already at high risk. Since many hypertensives develop diabetes, the combination of risk factors will account
for a large proportion of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In the LIFE substudy, the effects of losartan
and atenolol in patients with diabetes, hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) on the frequency
of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality were compared.

Aim

To compare the long-term effects of Losartan and Atenolol on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in
patients with diabetes, hypertension and LVH.

Patient characteristics

1195 patients aged 55-80 years with diabetes (most likely of type 2), essential hypertension, and LVH
(ascertained by electrocardiography).

Study groups

Losartan vs. Atenolol
If blood pressure was not controlled, then hydrochlorothiazide was added. Groups were well
balanced for treatment with antidiabetic drugs or lipid lowering drugs or aspirin.

Study duration

Mean follow-up: 4.7 years

Results