A new guide for physicians recommends that a thiazide-type diuretic is the best drug option for hypertensive patients.

Following the results of a study published this week in the American Heart Association's Circulation, guidelines have been drawn up recommending diuretics be used either alone or alongside other drugs.

The study, conducted by the University of Texas School of Public Health (UTSPH), analysed past and current research regarding the use of thiazide-type diuretics and beta-adrenergic blockers as first-line drug treatments for hypertension.

Among the previous research considered was work carried out in 2002 by UTSPH which recommended the use of diuretics for antihypertensive therapy.

The investigation, named ALLHAT - Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial – had suggested that diuretics were "as good or better" than three alternative drugs for high blood pressure.

Reasons behind the recommendation to physicians of the use of diuretics included their ability to control blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular events.

It was also found that diuretics were "tolerated by patients" and cost relatively little to buy.

Barry Davis, professor of biostatistics and director of the Coordinating Centre for Clinical Trials at the UTSPH, said: "We found that further analyses of the original ALLHAT trial and information from more recent studies confirmed the original findings that diuretics are the preferred choice for antihypertensive therapy, alone or in combination with other drugs."

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