Losartan and amlodipine on myocardial structure and function: A prospective, randomized, clinical trial

Aims To compare the effects of losartan and amlodipine on myocardial structure and function in hypertensive patients with Type2 diabetes and left ventricular hypertrophy. Methods After a 4-week placebo period, patients were randomized to losartan 50mg (n=90) or amlodipine 5mg (n=91) for 12months, with a doubling of the dose in patients who did not respond after 4weeks. Blood pressure was measured in the clinic every month, while conventional echocardiography and acoustic densitometry (integrated backscatter analysis) were performed at the end of the placebo period and after 12months of treatment. Results Both drugs reduced systolic/diastolic blood pressure to a comparable extent. Losartan significantly reduced left ventricular mass index (-19%, P