Combined lipid-lowering and antihypertensive treatment as part of a strategy of multiple risk factor intervention

: Thirty-six patients with treated mild to moderate hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia (greater than 6.5 mmol/l) entered a 12 week study to evaluate the efficacy and patient tolerability of combined lipid-lowering and antihypertensive treatment as part of a strategy of multiple risk factor intervention. The principal effects on the plasma lipid profiles were significant reductions of 30-40% in total and LDL cholesterol. These reductions were achieved without loss of blood pressure control. There was no significant impact on HDL cholesterol or on lipoprotein Lp(a). These preliminary results suggest that substantial reductions in total and LDL cholesterol can be achieved without compromising blood pressure control which remained satisfactory at 144/82 supine and 143/80 mmHg standing. Furthermore, these changes were achieved without any problems of patient tolerability or interference with patient compliance with drug treatment. Overall, therefore, substantial reductions in CHD risk can be achieved with an acceptable combination of lipid lowering and antihypertensive treatments.