In a pooled analysis of data of 31 RCTs measuring the effect of CCBs  on stroke  , CCBs  reduced stroke more than placebo and β-adrenergic blockers , but were not different than ACEIs and diuretics .
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of stroke .
It is well known that lowering blood pressure decreases the risk of stroke in people with moderate to severe hypertension .
However , the specific effects of calcium channel blockers ( CCBs ) against stroke in patients with hypertension as compared to no treatment and other antihypertensive drug classes are not known .
Outcome Results of the Fosinopril Versus Amlodipine Cardiovascular Events Randomized Trial (FACET) in Patients With Hypertension and NIDDM
OBJECTIVE ACE inhibitors and calcium antagonists may favorably affect serum lipids and glucose metabolism . The primary aim of the Fosinopril Versus Amlodipine Cardiovascular Events R and omized Trial ( FACET ) was to compare the effects of fosinopril and amlodipine on serum lipids and diabetes control in NIDDM patients with hypertension . Prospect ively defined cardiovascular events were assessed as secondary outcomes . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Inclusion criteria included a diagnosis of NIDDM and hypertension ( systolic blood pressure of > 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of > 90 mmHg ) . Exclusion criteria included a history of coronary heart disease or stroke , serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dl , albuminuria > 40 μg/min , and use of lipid-lowering drugs , aspirin , or antihypertensive agents other than beta-blockers or diuretics . A total of 380 hypertensive diabetics were r and omly assigned to open-label fosinopril ( 20 mg/day ) or amlodipine ( 10 mg/day ) and followed for up to 3.5 years . If blood pressure was not controlled , the other study drug was added . RESULTS Both treatments were effective in lowering blood pressure . At the end of followup , between the two groups there was no significant difference in total serum cholesterol , HDL cholesterol , HbA1c , fasting serum glucose , or plasma insulin . The patients receiving fosinopril had a significantly lower risk of the combined outcome of acute myocardial infa rct ion , stroke , or hospitalized angina than those receiving amlodipine ( 14/189 vs. 27/191 ; hazards ratio = 0.49 , 95 % CI = 0.26–0.95 ) . CONCLUSIONS Fosinopril and amlodipine had similar effects on biochemical measures , but the patients r and omized to fosinopril had a significantly lower risk of major vascular events , compared with the patients r and omized to amlodipine
In a pooled analysis of data of 31 RCTs measuring the effect of CCBs  on stroke  , CCBs  reduced stroke more than placebo and β-adrenergic blockers , but were not different than ACEIs and diuretics .
BACKGROUND Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of stroke .
It is well known that lowering blood pressure decreases the risk of stroke in people with moderate to severe hypertension .
However , the specific effects of calcium channel blockers ( CCBs ) against stroke in patients with hypertension as compared to no treatment and other antihypertensive drug classes are not known .