Diuretics the most effective in managing hypertension

Often called the “silent killer” due to lack of the warning signs (symptoms), high blood pressure represents the major risk of suffering heart attack and stroke.
Although there are several kinds of drugs made to control high blood pressure, it takes time to find the appropriate one and deduce hypertension back to normal levels.

As a follow-up of the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT), a new major clinic trial was conducted in collaboration the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP).

Around 42,000 people aged 55 and above took part in the study to compare and analyze the effectiveness of 4 different anti-hypertension drugs. The study found that the diuretics were the most effective beside three other available kinds: calcium channel blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and alpha blockers.

Although it often takes more than just one high blood pressure to bring it back to normal, diuretics are advised to be the first line choice in treating this disorder.