The Study of Novel Dual Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) Blockade; Valsartan/Aliskiren in African American Patients With Hypertension and the Metabolic Syndrome

Study purpose: African Americans with hypertension and markers of metabolic syndrome (small elevations in blood glucose, triglycerides and or weight) are at a high risk of cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems. There is a circulating factor called angiotensin II that increases risk and may be more important in African Americans who have up to 20 times greater risk of losing kidney function and requiring dialysis. Research Investigators, including those at the University of Michigan, found one drug (Ramipril) that blocks angiotensin II effects significantly and improves kidney function in African Americans.

The purpose of The SAAVE Study is to determine whether the combination of two new blockers (Valsartan and Aliskiren) of angiotensin II, are better able to lower blood pressure, also improve some of the risk factors for cardiovascular problems and provide greater protection to the heart and kidneys.

The specific hypothesis of this proposal is that the combination of Valsartan/Aliskiren will provide incremental reduction in blood pressure when compared to traditional blockade of Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS) with ramipril. As an exploratory analysis, we propose that the blood pressure effect will be associated with suppressing plasma aldosterone levels, preserving the availability of nitric oxide, and preventing the development of insulin resistance. Other variables of interest include changes from baseline in adiponectin, Procollagen 1 and 3, osteopontin, cystatin C, and serum K+. In a nested cohort we will determine the impact of novel dual RAAS blockade on left ventricular remodeling.

Should our hypotheses be proven correct and novel dual RAAS blockade is more effective than ramipril in reducing blood pressure, plasma aldosterone, preserving the availability of nitric oxide, as reflected by an increase in asymmetric dimethly arginine (ADMA) levels, and improves cardiovascular remodeling, this would have important implications for the long term prevention of target organ damage and cardiovascular events in this high risk ethnic group.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. African American men or women 18 - 80 years of age.
2. Appropriate therapy for high blood pressure consisting of no more than 2 antihypertensives.
3. Patients with at least one marker of Metabolic Syndrome as evidenced by:

   * HDL cholesterol \< 35mg/dl (men); \< 45 mg/dl (women)
   * Triglycerides \> 200mg/dl
   * Fasting Glucose \>100mg/dl
   * Waist Circumference: Men \>40 inches (102cm); Women \> 35 (88cm)
4. Recent copy of EKG.
5. Women able to become pregnant must use reliable contraception (e.g. hormonal contraception and double-barrier methods) throughout this study and for one week after the end of this study. Post-menopausal or surgically sterile women.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Uncontrolled hypertension.
2. Organ transplant.
3. Hypersensitivity to any study medications
4. Systolic pressure 170 or higher or Diastolic pressure 110 or higher.
5. Cardiovascular events within last 6 months Stroke, Heart Attack, Stent, or Hospitalization for severe Heart Failure.
6. Serum potassium greater than 5.0
7. Heart block without a pacemaker, continuing arrhythmia or valvular heart disease.
8. Blocked renal artery.
9. Patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine 1.7 mg/dl for women and 2.0 mg/dl for men and or estimated GFR \<30 mL/min) a history of dialysis, nephritic syndrome, or reno-vascular hypertension.
10. Any condition that may alter medication absorption.
11. Any condition that may place patient at higher risk from participating in study or will jeopardize the evaluation of efficacy or safety.
12. Use of any investigational study medications within 30 days of enrollment
13. Persons unwilling or unable to take regular medications or comply with study protocol.
14. Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women, or women of childbearing potential (defined as all women physiologically capable of becoming pregnant) who do not use reliable methods of contraception: surgical sterilization, bilateral tubal ligation, hormonal contraception, implantable and oral) and double barrier methods if accepted by local regulatory authority and ethics committee. Reliable contraception should be maintained throughout the study and for 7 days after study drug discontinuation.