[Treatment of hypertension in the elderly--diuretics/atenolol?]

The recently published MRC-trial on treatment of hypertension in older adults showed generally beneficial effects. Significantly lower rates of coronary events and cardiovascular events/deaths were found in the diuretic group than in the atenolol group. Special circumstances and weak points in the study it self do not seem to have caused artificial differences between the two treatment groups. Thus the comparison seems to be justified and the demonstrated differences are regarded as real. This study fits into the pattern of other trials. The diuretic regimen with a potassium-magnesium-saving component may have been of importance. Whether the trial reflects a general beta-blocker effect in older adults with hypertension or a more specific atenolol effect is not clarified.