Curious if you had any thoughts on GW0742?
Risk of myocardial infarction, heart failure, and cerebrovascular disease with the use of valsartan, losartan, irbesartan, and telmisartan in patients
“The matched cohort analysis showed that the adjusted hazard ratio (aHRs, 95% confidence interval) for MI was higher for valsartan use (1.39, 1.33–1.45) and losartan use (1.10, 1.05–1.15) but lower for irbesartan use (0.90, 0.86–0.94) compared with the reference (telmisartan). The aHRs for HF were not different among these ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers). The aHR for cerebrovascular disease was lower for valsartan use (0.85, 0.83–0.87) and losartan use (0.80, 0.78–0.82) but higher for irbesartan use (1.11, 1.09–1.13) compared with the reference. We found differences in the risk of MI and cerebrovascular disease with the use of different ARBs compared to telmisartan use. Valsartan, and losartan with a short half-life, which showed a higher risk of MI, had a lower risk of cerebrovascular disease. Conversely, irbesartan with a long half-life, which showed a lower risk of MI, had a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease.”
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AI summary of that study in lay terms:
Telmisartan Study Results: Good News for Patients
This large Korean study of nearly 150,000 patients compared cardiovascular risks between different blood pressure medications, including telmisartan.
Key findings for your medication:
Heart attacks: Telmisartan provided good protection - better than valsartan and losartan, slightly less than irbesartan. Overall strong performance.
Strokes: Mixed results - higher risk than valsartan/losartan but lower than irbesartan. Differences were modest.
Heart failure: No meaningful differences between any blood pressure medications.
What this means for you:
- 40mg daily: Provides effective blood pressure control and cardiovascular protection
- 80mg daily: Optimal dose for maximum heart protection benefits
Bottom line: Continue your telmisartan as prescribed. This study confirms it’s safe and effective for cardiovascular protection. Telmisartan is the only blood pressure medication in its class specifically approved by regulators for reducing heart attack and stroke risk. The differences between medications were small, and your medication has proven long-term safety. The study found no major concerns - keep taking it and maintain regular doctor visits.
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