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Diuretics Lower Blood Pressure

Diuretics are the unsung heroes of blood pressure treatment. Such drugs have been around for decades and are among the most inexpensive pills in the pharmacy. They often don’t get much respect compared to newer and pricier anti-hypertensive medications. But a new analysis of more than 50 studies involving over 15,000 patients suggests that diuretics are highly effective, whether they are used alone or in combination with other blood pressure medicine.

The review revealed that the higher the dose of the diuretic, the stronger the effect. The investigators encourage prescribers to think of diuretics as a first line of defense for uncomplicated high blood pressure and to consider adding a diuretic to existing treatment that is not adequate for controlling hypertension.

[The Cochrane Collaboration, Oct 6, 2009]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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