Comparing recommended doses of angiotensin receptor blockers and ACE inhibitors (CORD Study)

Aim. The CORD Study compared effectiveness and tolerability of losartan and ramipril in patients with arterial hypertension (AH).Material and methods. The study included two groups, A and B. In Group A (n=4016; mean age 62,6+11,6 years; 53,1% women), the patients with blood pressure (BP) 3 months were switched from ACE inhibitors to losartan. At baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months later, BP, heart rate, and biochemical parameters were measured; general blood assay and electrocardiography (ECG) were also performed. In group B (n=3813; mean age 60,5+12,2 years; 50,5% women), the patients with BP >140/90 mm Hg and no previous ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy were randomly administered either losartan (50 mg/d; n=1887) or ramipril (5 mg/d; n=1926).Results. Group A demonstrated a decrease in BP — from 147,4+14,8/87,7+9,3 to 139,7+11,8/83,0+9,3 mm Hg (p