Combining benazepril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, with amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, may dramatically reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and death in certain patients with hypertension. In a study involving more than 11,000 hypertensive patients at high risk for cardiac events, patients took one of two treatments: benazepril plus amlodipine or benazepril plus hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic. Both treatments reduced BP in more than 75% of patients, but those in the amlodipine group had 20% fewer serious cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, than those in the diuretic group. The results were so compelling that the trial was stopped early.

Source: Jamerson K, Weber MA, Bakris GL, et al. Benazepril plus amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension in high-risk patients. N Engl J Med. 2008;359(23):2417-2428.