Trial Chairman: Paul M Ridker, MD
The primary aim of the Val-MARC trial was to determine whether blood pressure reduction with Diovan (valsartan) reduces high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). As a secondary aim, the Val-MARC trial was also designed to address whether any effect of valsartan on hsCRP is modified by dose of this blood pressure-lowering agent.
hsCRP is a marker of chronic low-level inflammation, a new risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events (click here for more information on hsCRP). hsCRP is also correlated with blood pressure. People with high blood pressure or elevated hsCRP are often not aware that they have these conditions, and they therefore may not take steps to lower their cardiovascular risk. The Val-MARC medical research trial followed 1,668 volunteers at 650 clinics across the United States. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a higher dose or a lower dose of the blood pressure-lowering drug Diovan (valsartan) for a 12-week period. The Val-MARC trial was funded by Novartis.
For a summary of the results of the Val-MARC trial,
click here.
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