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Diuretics are effective for lowering blood pressure

A report released by the NHLBI showed that for people with high blood pressure as part of metabolic syndrome, diuretics offer greater protection against cardiovascular disease.

It showed that diuretics were as effective as the newer, more expensive medications.

The ALLHAT study

The 'Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial' (ALLHAT) study is sponsored by the NHLBI. The ALLHAT is the largest study to compare a diuretic (chlorthalidone) with three newer classes of medications to treat high blood pressure:

• a calcium-channel blocker (amlodipine besylate)
• an alpha-blocker (doxazosin mesylate) and,
• an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (lisinopril).

The study involved over 42,000 people aged 55 or older with high blood pressure and metabolic disease.

People with metabolic syndrome have three or more risk factors for heart disease including;

• high blood pressure
• low HDL 'good cholesterol' levels
• and diabetes or pre-diabetes

Study conclusions

Paula Einhorn from the NHLBI said, "The ALLHAT study has been remarkably consistent in showing that the lower-cost diuretic is superior to newer medications for the prevention of cardiovascular disease."

She added, "The data shows that diuretics can be effective as a single-drug treatment for high blood pressure and be included in multi-drug treatment regimens in most patients, including those with metabolic syndrome."

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