Clinical Medicine Reviews in Vascular Health

Hypertension is one of the major cardiovascular and renal risk factors and is linked to high morbidity and mortality in patients worldwide. The control rates of hypertensive patients are still low, and this makes the issue of newer drugs highly necessary in order to improve control rates. Since this will be affected by efficacy as well as compliance to antihypertensive medications, we require drugs offering reducing properties against high blood pressure as well as a minimum of adverse effects. The drug class of renin angiotensin system inhibitors is the most-used class for treating hypertension in regard to efficacy as well as tolerability. Recently, a new player in this field was introduced: the direct renin inhibitor aliskiren. Here we review the efficacy and safety of aliskiren alone and in the combination with hydrochlorothiazide, an interesting combination partner since their mode of action allows synergistic effects in regard to lowering blood pressure as well as in reducing possible side effects of both drugs.