Abstract
Older patients frequently receive angiotensin II receptor blocker/diuretic combinations to control blood pressure (BP), although there have been relatively few trials specifically examining this patient population. A pooled analysis was performed of data from 7 randomized trials of telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide combinations or telmisartan monotherapy in older (65 years and older) and younger (younger than 65 years) patients to better understand the response of older patients to a telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination. Telmisartan doses were 40 mg and 80 mg (T40 and T80). Hydrochlorothiazide doses were 12.5 mg and 25 mg (H12.5 and H25). A total of 3654 patients were included and the mean treatment duration was approximately 8 weeks. BP reductions with telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide combinations were broadly similar in older and younger patients. In older patients, mean BP reductions from baseline were -30.1/-19.0 mm Hg with the T80/H25 combination and -21.7/-13.0 mm Hg with T80 monotherapy. Tolerability was similar regardless of age, and the incidence of adverse events in both older and younger patients was similar to placebo. The telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination, particularly high-dose T80/H25, is effective and well tolerated in patients 65 years and older as well as in younger patients.