(December 3, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Adding a type of drug known as a calcium channel blocker to standard treatment for high blood pressure may be more beneficial than a diuretic, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Here are some ways to help keep your blood pressure in check:

•    If your doctor has prescribed medication for high blood pressure, take it as directed.

•    Eat a balanced diet, stay physically active, and avoid smoking. Keep your intake of sodium and alcohol in check.

•    Learn to relax. Stress can lead to high blood pressure.

Researchers from the University of Michigan randomly assigned over 11,000 patients with high blood pressure at high risk for a cardiovascular event to standard therapy with the ACE inhibitor Lotensin combined with either the calcium channel blocker Norvasc or the diuretic Hydrodiuril.

After three years, blood pressure was equally controlled in both groups of patients. Those taking the Lotensin/Norvasc combination, however, were about 20% less likely to have a cardiovascular event, including dying from cardiovascular disease, having a heart attack or stroke, being hospitalized for angina, being resuscitated after a cardiac arrest, or requiring an invasive procedure to open blocked blood vessels.

We had a chance to speak with Dr. Kenneth Jamerson, the principal investigator of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today’s research calls into question official guidelines recommending the combination of an ACE inhibitor and diuretic, since an ACE inhibitor/calcium channel blocker appears to be more beneficial.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.