Clinical trial confirms ARB superiority to beta blockers in treating aortic aneurysm

[nickppatel]

I've been saying it over and over on these forums, and here's the first significant clinical trial that I'm aware of confirming it.  Take note, folks:  ARBs are SUPERIOR TO BETA BLOCKERS FOR TREATING AORTIC ROOT DILATATION.

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/meeting_abstract/122/21_MeetingAbstracts/A21342

[nickppatel]

*Technically*, you're correct, but I maintain and will continue to maintain that ARB therapy alone is more effective than beta blockade alone.  This study corroborates my assertion but does not in and of itself prove it.  Wait until the Johns Hopkins clinical trial is finished, and I'll be vindicated on this issue.  Trust me.  (I think the numerous small studies that have been done already prove my point, but the Hopkins study will be the first major clinical trial to do so.)

I agree with you 100% on the AAA vs. aortic root issue.  This therapy appears to be effective only for connective tissue-related problems in the aortic root, NOT for arteriosclerosis-related aneurysms in the descending aorta.

[ed34]

.....Isn't the conclusion dual therapy is considered more safe and efective than just BB?

exactly, so this does not conclude beta blockers are less effective. I found this confusing when I read it and I'm glad you picked up on it because I thought I was going mad.

[kenkeith]

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/meeting_abstract/122/21_MeetingAbstracts/A21342

Conclusion: The combination therapy with ARB and beta-blockade may provide more effective and safe protection to slow down and even reduce the aortic root diameter than sole beta-blockade in patients with MFS.

.....Isn't the conclusion dual therapy is considered more safe and efective than just BB?  Also, the test is associated with MFS and not all triple A is so related. The most common cause of aortic aneurysms is arteriosclerosis. At least 80% of aortic aneurysms are from arteriosclerosis.  I beleive that disinction has been made on previous posts.

Thanks for the information.

Ken