First-Step Use of Fixed-Dose Combination Treatment in Stage 2 Hypertensive Patients: Has the Time Come?

A panel discussion was convened on February 14, 2007, to discuss the use of fixed-dose combination therapy for stage 2 hypertensive patients. The panel was moderated by Michael A. Weber, MD, Professor of Medicine, SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, New York, NY. Participants included Luis Ruilope, MD, Chief, Hypertension Unit, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain, Thomas D. Giles, MD, Professor of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, Metairie, LA, and Joseph L. Izzo, Jr, MD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]