Metabolic Effects of Antihypertensive Drugs on People With Metabolic Syndrome (The MEAD Study)

High blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension, is a blood pressure level of 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Along with lifestyle changes, various medications are currently used to treat people with hypertension. Some of these medications, however, may affect the way the body handles sugar, essentially preventing the body from breaking down sugar and predisposing people to developing diabetes. People who have metabolic syndrome-a condition primarily characterized by an increased waist measurement, abnormal blood lipid levels, hypertension, and high blood sugar levels-are already at risk of developing diabetes. In these people, taking the antihypertensive medications that prevent sugar breakdown may further increase their risk of diabetes. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of how people with metabolic syndrome respond to antihypertensive medications that alter the body's ability to break down sugar.