In a nutshell
This study compared the effect of thiazide-type (TT) and thiazide-like (TL) diuretics on heart failure, cardiovascular events (CVEs, such as heart attacks and strokes) and mortality in adults with hypertension. The authors concluded that patients receiving TL diuretics were less likely to experience cardiovascular events and heart failure compared to patients receiving TT diuretics.
Some background
Patients with hypertension have a higher resting blood pressure than the body needs. The blood pressure needs to be lowered to avoid complications such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. One method of lowering blood pressure is to take diuretics. These are drugs that cause the body to produce more urine. This leads to more frequent urination which reduces the amount of fluid in the body and also reduces blood pressure.
Thiazides are a type of diuretic. Thiazide-type (TT) diuretics are the most commonly prescribed form of the drug but thiazide-like (TL) diuretics are also available. TL diuretics can last longer in the body than TT diuretics and are better at reducing blood pressure over 24 hours. TL diuretics can also have different effects on the vascular system (the body’s arteries and veins) and so may affect cardiovascular disease differently than TT diuretics.
Methods & findings
The authors looked at the risk of heart failure, mortality and CVEs associated with TT diuretics and TL diuretics. This analysis combined the results of 25 previous studies examining TT and TL diuretics.
Overall, both TT and TL diuretics reduced the number of CVEs and heart failure when compared to placebo (substance with no effect on the body) controls. Mortality and coronary events such as heart attacks were significantly reduced by TL diuretics compared to controls.
Risk of CVEs was 12% lower and risk of heart failure was 21% lower in patients receiving TL diuretics than those receiving TT diuretics.
The bottom line
This study concluded that TL diuretics significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and heart failure when compared to TT diuretics. The authors suggest that TL diuretics may be a better option than TT diuretics for treating hypertension, particularly in patients at risk for heart failure.
The fine print
The results stated here were calculated from 25 different studies. Differences in study design may affect the results.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician for advice on possible treatment options for hypertension.
Published By :
Hypertension
Date :
Mar 02, 2015
