Diuretics Preferred for Treating Hypertension

ORLANDO, Fla.—Tried-and-true diuretics maintain their status as the best first-line treatment in older men and women with high blood pressure, according to new research presented Nov. 18 at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association (AHA).

As reported by HealthDay News, the thiazide-type diuretic chlorthalidone outperformed three other treatments—a calcium channel blocker, an ACE inhibitor and an alpha-receptor blocker—in most areas, especially in lowering the incidence of stroke and heart failure, according to the most current data from a large ongoing study known as ALLHAT (Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial).

"We believe thiazide-type diuretics should still be preferred," said study investigator Dr. William Cushman, professor and chief of preventive medicine at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn.