A Large Scale Study of Angiotensin II Inhibition Therapy in an Elderly Population: the Chance Study

This 8-week, multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of candesartan cilexetil (CC, 8–16 mg) in elderly (>65 years) hypertensive patients. Patients (n=3013) received CC 8 mg during 8 weeks which eventually doubled to CC 16 mg at week 4 if blood pressure remained uncontrolled (≥140/90 mmHg). At week 8, 65.5% of patients were normalized (BP <140/90 mmHg). Mean changes at week 8 were −25.8, −13.2, and −12.7 mmHg for systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure, respectively. Age, sex, and diabetic status did not influence the antihypertensive effect of CC. 68% of the patients treated with, but uncontrolled or intolerant of, prior antihypertensive treatment were normalized by CC 8–16 mg. In summary, CC 8–16 mg once daily was effective and well tolerated in the management of arterial hypertension in elderly subjects.