The LIFE trial showed for the first time that one anti-hypertensive treatment was superior to another in reducing the combined risk of cardiovascular disease and death, including heart attack and stroke. Losartan reduced the combined risk by 13 percent (p=0.021) versus atenolol. These findings were impressive because, until now, blood pressure reduction achieved with beta-blockers and diuretics were the best documented treatment to reduce the combined risk of cardiovascular disease and death, earning them first line status in most guidelines.

"Results of the LIFE study showed that losartan has set a new standard in the treatment of hypertension," Professor Dahlöf, M.D. said. "Losartan also proved that there is a more effective treatment than atenolol for reducing the combined risk of cardiovascular death, stroke and heart attack."

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