Chlorthalidone more effective than HCTZ in reducing MACE in long term: Study

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2021-01-24 16:00 GMT | Update On 2021-01-25 07:29 GMT

According to recent research, investigators from the NYU School of Medicine, New York City, New York, USA found out that over the short-term there were no differences in the net clinical benefit between hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidone.

The study is published in the Journal of Hypertension.

There is continuous debate whether chlorthalidone (CTD) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) differ in reducing major cardiovascular events (MACE). HCTZ is prescribed 10 times more commonly than CTD.

Hence, Roush, George C. and colleagues conducted this study to assess the difference between Chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide in terms of major cardiovascular events, blood pressure, left ventricular mass, and adverse effects.

They carried out a systematic literature search which yielded 14 references, including two network meta-analyses of randomized trials with MACE and left ventricular mass as outcomes.

The findings were-

a. The network meta-analysis of randomized trials showed CTD reducing MACE more than HCTZ, hazard ratio = 0.79 (0.72–0.88), P < 0.0001, and an observational cohort study gave an identical point estimate: hazard ratio = 0.79 (0.68–0.92), P = 0.002.

b. In contrast, two observational cohort studies reported no differences between CTD and HCTZ.

c. However, in the studies showing the superiority of CTD median follow-up was 4.3 and 7.0 years, respectively, whereas in the latter studies showing no difference between the two drugs follow-up was only 0.95 and 0.25 years.

d. As differences in outcomes for MACE in hypertension trials with various interventions only emerge after prolonged (>1 year) therapy, differences in follow-up explain these discrepant results.

e. CTD also more effectively reduced left ventricular mass in observational data and network analysis of trials.

f. These advantages of CTD over HCTZ are consistent with greater reductions in night-time blood pressure, greater reductions in oxidative stress and platelet aggregation, and greater improvements in endothelial function.

Therefore, they concluded that "Over the short-term there were no differences in the net clinical benefit between HCTZ and CTD. However, long-term available data document CTD to be significantly more effective in reducing MACE than HCTZ."

Article Source : Journal of Hypertension

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Dr. Nandita Mohan

Dr. Nandita Mohan is a practicing pediatric dentist with more than 5 years of clinical work experience. Along with this, she is equally interested in keeping herself up to date about the latest developments in the field of medicine and dentistry which is the driving force for her to be in association with Medical Dialogues. She also has her name attached with many publications; both national and international. She has pursued her BDS from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore and later went to enter her dream specialty (MDS) in the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry from Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences. Through all the years of experience, her core interest in learning something new has never stopped. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Chlorthalidone more effective than HCTZ in reducing MACE in long term: Study

Similar News

Dapagliflozin reduced mortality risk in aortic stenosis patients undergoing TAVI: Study

New Tool Can Calculate Heart Age and Reveal Hidden Cardiovascular Risks: JAMA

Non-Invasive Saliva Test May Detect Early Signs of Diabetes and Obesity: Study Finds

Tirzepatide Matches dulaglutide in Heart Protection, Offers Added Benefits in SURPASS-CVOT trial

Subclinical Primary Aldosteronism Raises Risk of MACE Even With Normal BP, Suggests Study

Brisk Walking Just 15 Minutes a Day May Cut Death Risk by 20 Percent: Study Finds

Kidney Injury Significantly Increases Hypertension Risk, Study Finds

Medical Bulletin 31/July/2025