Borhani NO, Mercuri M, Borhani PA, Buckalew VM, et al
Final outcome results of the multicenter isradipine diuretic
atherosclerosis study (MIDAS): A randomized controlled trial
J Am Med Assoc
(Sep) 276:785-791 1996

The onslaught of calcium channel blocker studies suggesting adverse effects
continues. This one is
different, however, in that it is a prospective randomized study rather than
a case-controlled
retrospective study. The goal was to see if twice-daily isradipine would
reduce the rate of
progression of carotid thickening in hypertensive patients, as assessed by
quantitative B-mode
imaging.
No differences in intimal-medial thickness were found
between isradipine and
hydrochlorothiazide. However, there was a higher incidence of vascular
events (MI, stroke, CHF,
angina, and sudden death) in the isradipine group. (jtd)
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