Abstract
I am surprised that the target systolic blood pressures in three studies of the renoprotective effects of angiotensin-receptor blockers in patients with type 2 diabetes (Sept. 20 issue)1-3 exceeded the threshold of less than 130 mm Hg recommended in the sixth report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC-VI).4 After treatment, the mean systolic blood pressure for all treatment groups in each study was 140 mm Hg or higher. What kind of example is this for practicing physicians who treat hypertensive patients with diabetes?