In patients in whom an angiotensin receptor blocker was switched to tablets containing an ARB, candesartan, at 8 mg and a diuretic, hydrochlorothiazide, at 6.25 mg (ECARD® HD tablets), efficacy and safety were examined. Of the 38 patients analyzed for efficacy assessment, 24 aged 65 years or older were assigned to an elderly group, and 14 aged 64 years or younger to a non-elderly group. The results were compared between the two groups. There were significant decreases in the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the two groups (P < 0.05). In the elderly group, the blood pressure gradually reduced. In this group, there was a significant decrease in the heart rate (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in the serum creatinine or potassium levels in either group. There was a significant increase in the uric acid level in the elderly group (P < 0.05). These results suggest that switching of an ARB to ECARD® HD tablets is an option for blood pressure control in elderly people. However, the monitoring of the heart rate, the serum creatinine, and the uric acid is required.
