Which Thiazide-Type Diuretic Should be First-Line in Patients with Hypertension?

The Eighth National Joint Committee recommends a thiazide-type diuretic as one of the first line treatment options for patients with hypertension. However, there is substantial evidence to support the use of a thiazide-like diuretic (e.g., chlorthalidone) over a thiazide diuretic (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide or HCTZ). In this piece, we review the data on why thiazide-like agents should be preferred in this setting.