Fight hypertension to prevent kidney failure

October 5, 2001 – A landmark study¹, published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), reveals that cozaar (losartan), a drug used to treat hypertension, significantly slows the progression of kidney disease in type II diabetics.

This research is the first to show that a remedy used for high blood pressure can be of benefit in treating kidney disease. The study observed three groups of patients, all with type II diabetes and kidney failure. Research results indicate that taking losartan reduces the progression of kidney disease as well as the risk of cardiovascular events.

However, another study², led by Dr. Masuo, found that it is also possible to decrease hypertension without medication. Three groups participated in the study: the first group had to follow a low calorie diet; the second, an aerobic activity, and the third, participating in both activities. After 12 weeks, there was a reduction in weight, fat and blood pressure in all three control groups. The group that showed the best results was the group that participated in both activities, followed by the aerobic group and then the dieter.

This information is important given that five million Canadians suffer from high blood pressure and that nearly 40% of them also have diabetes. High blood pressure and diabetes are two precursors of kidney disease that can lead to kidney death. Prevention remains crucial since people with end-stage kidney disease have no other option to survive than dialysis or transplantation.

Monique Lalancette – PasseportSanté.net

According to Reuters Foundation, InteliHealth and American Heart Association September 24, 2001.

1. Brenner BM, Cooper ME, de Zeeuw D, Keane WF, Mitch WE, Parving HH, Remuzzi G, Snapinn SM, Zhang Z, Shahinfar S; RENAAL Study Investigators. Effects of losartan on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and nephropathy. N Engl J Med 2001 Sep 20; 345 (12): 910-2.
2. Masuo K, Mikami H, Ogihara T, Tuck ML.Differences in mechanisms between weight loss-sensitive and -resistant blood pressure reduction in obese subjects. Hypertens Res 2001 Jul; 24 (4): 371-6.