Diuretics for elderly patients

Abstract
Diuretics compare well with the large number of other classes of antihypertensive agents now available as first-line treatment in the elderly. Other drugs might be considered for first-line treatment in elderly patients with diabetes, untreated gout, or renal failure, a previous myocardial infarction or multiple ventricular ectopics and for men concerned about potency. A thiazide with a potassium-sparing agent may be preferred in the elderly population. The most telling feature in favor of diuretics is that they comprise the only group of drugs for which a beneficial effect in reducing cardiovascular disease in the elderly has been demonstrated in clinical trials. Although compliance may decline somewhat with age, compliance rates of 80% or more can be expected, even among very elderly patients.

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