Comparing the effects of two common blood pressure medications on long-term health risks.

Informing optimal first-line antihypertensive therapy: A rigorous comparative effectiveness analysis of ARBs vs. ACEIs on long-term risk of dementia, cancer, heart disease, and quality of life

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11004074

This study looks at how two common blood pressure medications, ARBs and ACEIs, might help protect older adults from serious health issues like dementia, heart disease, and cancer, so doctors can choose the best option for their patients with high blood pressure.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11004074 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how two types of blood pressure medications, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), affect long-term health outcomes such as dementia, heart disease, and cancer risk. By analyzing data from large healthcare systems, the study aims to determine which medication is more effective in reducing these risks for patients with hypertension. The findings could help guide doctors in prescribing the most beneficial first-line treatment for high blood pressure, particularly in older adults.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are currently prescribed either ARBs or ACEIs for hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients who are not currently taking blood pressure medications or those with contraindications to ARBs or ACEIs may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that significantly lower the risk of dementia and other serious health conditions for patients with high blood pressure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that different classes of antihypertensive medications can have varying effects on long-term health outcomes, suggesting that this comparative effectiveness analysis could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.