Swedish Trial in Old Patients with Hypertension: A Prospective Multicentre Study in Swedish Primary Health Care

Abstract

The Swedish trial in old patients with hypertension was initiated by the Swedish League against Hypertension. It will be conducted as a prospective multicentre study in Swedish primary health care, and will comprise approximately 2000 patients on active treatment and 2000 on placebo to be studied for three years. The primary goal with this study is to investigate whether pharmacological treatment of hypertension in men and women aged 70–84 years will reduce the incidence of fatal and nonfatal cardiac and cerebrovascular disease. Before starting the main trial a pilot study comprising 400 patients will be carried out during one year to evaluate all logistical aspects of the study. This pilot study commenced in October 1985.

Key words:

• elderly
• hypertension
• cardio-vascular disease
• mortality
• primary health care