What have clinical trials shown regarding the superiority of any single antihypertensive drug class in preventing cardiovascular events?
Clinical trials have failed to convincingly demonstrate superiority of any single antihypertensive drug class in preventing cardiovascular events. ACE inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), beta blockers, and aldosterone antagonists have all been shown to improve outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), left ventricular dysfunction, and heart failure, among other conditions. Calcium antagonists are useful in the treatment of angina. In many cases, a combination of drugs, including a diuretic, is necessary to achieve optimal blood pressure control.