Bringing VALUE to LIFE

The results of the LIFE (Losartan Intervention for Endpoint Reduction) trial were the first demonstration that there are differences in outcomes between antihypertensive medications, beyond the reduction in blood pressure. For the first time, a 'new' anti hypertensive medication, an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) was shown to be superior over an 'old' drug, a beta blocker. However, there are questions remaining after LIFE, such as: was the reduction in stroke specific to ARBs? Why were there no greater reductions in cardiovascular mortality? What is the role of monotherapy versus a combination of ARB and a diuretic? Answers to several of these and other questions are expected from the VALUE (Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-term Use Evaluation) trial. (C) 2003 The European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.