ATHOS

A comparison of Telmisartan plus HCTZ with amlodipine plus HCTZ in Older patients with predominantly Systolic hypertension

ATHOS looked at the effects of MICARDIS® plus hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), or amlodipine plus HCTZ, in the management of elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension

Why conduct this study?

Isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) – defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) reading above 140 mmHg with a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reading of less than 90 mmHg – is a frequent finding in elderly people,¹ with almost 65% of people over 60 years reported to have the condition. ISH has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular (CV) events and total mortality and is therefore an important clinical consideration.^2-4

Calcium channel blockers and diuretics are established recommended therapies in this special population. However, antihypertensive treatment in elderly patients and in those with ISH remains a challenge. Of patients who were treated but had uncontrolled hypertension, 76% were found to have ISH.

Given that the highest risk for CV complications is in the early morning hours, there is a clear need for sustained blood pressure control in this high-risk patient population.

Proven 24-hour efficacy plus excellent tolerability – both characteristics of telmisartan – are prerequisites for successful treatment of elderly patients.   The aim of the ATHOS study was to compare the effect of MICARDIS^® (in a fixed-dose combination with a thiazide-type diuretic) with the calcium antagonist amlodipine (combined with a thiazide-type diuretic) in elderly patients with predominantly ISH.⁵  

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