Risk of death from heart disease reduced

RIYADH, 20 May — The findings of a new study on hypertension (high blood pressure) have demonstrated that losartan, sold under the name Cozaar, substantially reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

“The study was published in the international medical journal ‘The Lancet’. It shows that Cozaar, compared to other medicines, reduced the risk of stroke by 25 percent,” said Dr. Mustafa Al-Shammary, consultant in cardiology and head of kidney care at the King Khalid University Hospital in Riydah.

Addressing a press conference at the Marriot Hotel, he said that obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, stress and excessive amounts of alcohol or salt can cause hypertension.

Cozaar is now widely prescribed in Saudi Arabia where more than 85 medications for hypertension are sold.

Cozaar and its companion product, Hyzaar, have emerged as the world’s most widely prescribed medications with more than 12 million patients using the medications.