New Frontiers in Hypertension Care: Insights from the Cardia-3 and Bax Hypertension Trials

In this episode of The Tell-Tale Heart: The Pharmacist's Cardiovascular Digest, Craig Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP, speaks with Shelby Tungate, PharmD, BCPS, AACC, a clinical pharmacist practitioner at UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, about the latest research shaping the future of hypertension management. The discussion centers on the Bax Hypertension and Cardia-3 trials, 2 key studies exploring innovative approaches to blood pressure control and cardiovascular outcomes.

Tungate reviews the design and endpoints of both trials, noting that the Bax Hypertension study focused on evaluating a novel therapeutic pathway to address treatment-resistant hypertension, while Cardia-3 examined blood pressure reduction and safety outcomes at three and six months. She highlights findings related to hyperkalemia, renal function, and hypotension, emphasizing the importance of ongoing safety monitoring in these emerging treatment modalities.

The conversation also underscores the need for pharmacists to stay informed about new therapies and their implications for patient care, particularly in outpatient settings where hypertension remains a leading chronic condition. Tungate and Beavers reflect on how pharmacists can contribute to managing complex cardiovascular patients, interpreting clinical data, and guiding therapy adjustments.

The episode closes with practical insights for pharmacy professionals on applying clinical trial evidence to real-world patient management, as well as a lighthearted exchange about reality television and the camaraderie within the pharmacy community.