Jeffrey Reznik, MD

Low-dose diuretics are equal or superior to all other major classes of antihypertensive medications in improving long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Given that diuretics are also inexpensive and have a favorable side-effect profile, clinicians should use low-dose diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg/d or less) as a first choice for almost all patients with hypertension.

Clinicians should keep in mind that many patients require more than 1 medication. They should look for further information from pooled studies regarding specific populations such as those with diabetes or chronic renal disease, the elderly, or persons of color.

Low-dose diuretics are equal or superior to all other major classes of antihypertensive medications in improving long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Given that diuretics are also inexpensive and have a favorable side-effect profile, clinicians should use low-dose diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg/d or less) as a first choice for almost all patients with hypertension.

Clinicians should keep in mind that many patients require more than 1 medication. They should look for further information from pooled studies regarding specific populations such as those with diabetes or chronic renal disease, the elderly, or persons of color.

Low-dose diuretics are equal or superior to all other major classes of antihypertensive medications in improving long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Given that diuretics are also inexpensive and have a favorable side-effect profile, clinicians should use low-dose diuretics (eg, hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg/d or less) as a first choice for almost all patients with hypertension.

Clinicians should keep in mind that many patients require more than 1 medication. They should look for further information from pooled studies regarding specific populations such as those with diabetes or chronic renal disease, the elderly, or persons of color.