Preferred diuretic therapy for primary hypertension: Chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide?

Because of its greater reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), chlorthalidone is recommended over hydrochlorothiazide as the preferred diuretic for patients with primary hypertension. However, hydrochlorothiazide is more commonly prescribed than chlorthalidone for this condition. This article reviews recent studies investigating the effectiveness of chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide in reducing MACE, to help clinicians make an evidence-based informed decision on which diuretic to prescribe.