Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026

A Modified Two Kidney One Clip Mouse Model of Renin Regulation in Renal Artery Stenosis
Published on: October 26, 2020
Emerging drugs in the management of hypertension
1John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia. director@jcsmr.anu.edu.au
Insights
Hypertension is a widespread health issue. Diuretic therapy effectively lowers blood pressure and cardiovascular events, similar to newer hypertension medications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension is a significant global health concern with high rates of undiagnosed or inadequately treated cases.
- Current hypertension management prioritizes blood pressure reduction over specific drug classes for uncomplicated cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effectiveness of diuretic therapy for hypertension compared to newer drugs.
- To discuss the role of pharmacogenomics in tailoring individual hypertension treatment.
- To highlight emerging pharmacologic therapies for hypertension management.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized controlled trial evidence on diuretic therapy for hypertension.
- Analysis of evidence for drug classes in hypertensive patients with associated clinical conditions.
- Discussion of individual patient responses and trial-and-error in optimizing therapy.
Main Results:
- Diuretic therapy demonstrates effectiveness comparable to newer drugs in reducing cardiovascular events.
- Specific drug classes show efficacy in hypertensive patients with comorbidities.
- Individual responses to antihypertensive drugs vary, necessitating personalized treatment approaches.
Conclusions:
- Diuretics are a cost-effective and effective first-line treatment for hypertension.
- Pharmacogenomics holds promise for personalized hypertension management in the future.
- Novel therapeutic agents and fixed-dose combinations are expanding hypertension treatment options.
Abstract:
Hypertension is a global health problem, affecting developing and developed countries alike. Most patients with hypertension are undiagnosed, and most diagnosed patients are either untreated or inadequately treated. Randomised controlled trial evidence suggests diuretic therapy for hypertension is as effective as newer drugs in reducing cardiovascular events. There is good evidence for the use of specific classes of drugs in hypertensive patients with a variety of associated clinical conditions, but for uncomplicated cases, the current emphasis in hypertension management is on blood pressure lowering rather than drug class. Individual patients vary in their responses to different drug classes, and optimal therapy for the individual is determined by trial and error. Pharmacogenomics may assist in tailoring therapy for individuals in the future. Emerging drugs include newer members of classes already established in clinical practice, for example, angiotensin II receptor antagonists, aldosterone receptor antagonists, calcium antagonists and centrally acting drugs; newer fixed-dose combination therapies; and more novel therapies, for example, endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists, activators of nitric oxide (NO)-sensitive guanylyl cyclase and vasopeptidase inhibitors.
Related Concept Videos
Adrenergic Antagonists: ɑ and β-Receptor Blockers
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE). Of...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

