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Objectives To determine whether polymorphisms in the renin–angiotensin system can predict blood pressure-lowering response to antihypertensive treatment; more specifically, in response to treatment with irbesartan or atenolol.

Design and methods Eighty-six patients with hypertension were randomized to double-blind treatment with either the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist irbesartan or the β 1 adrenergic receptor blocker atenolol and followed for 3 months. We analysed angiotensinogen T174M and M235T, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) I/D and angiotensin II type 1 receptor A1166C polymorphisms and related them to blood pressure reduction.

Results The mean reductions in blood pressure were similar for both treatments. In the irbesartan group, individuals homozygous for the ACE gene I allele showed a greater reduction in diastolic blood pressure, exceeding those with the D allele (− 18±11 …