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Q My mother, who is 75 years old, has had high blood pressure for years. She has been able to control it with medication, what she calls a "water pill." I was wondering, exactly what is a "water pill?" And with so many new medications available on the market, should my mother stick with it or should she try something else? J.K., Charlotte, N.C.

A When it comes to treating high blood pressure and preventing its complications, new studies indicate that diuretics ("water pills") are at least as good, and perhaps better, than some new medicines.

Doctors say there are about 50 million Americans who have high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Researchers suggest that diuretic pills, which eliminate excess sodium and water, should be the first medicine prescribed to treat high blood pressure. Even in cases where multiple medications are recommended, medical authorities say one of them should be diuretics.

If you are still concerned about your mother's medication, have your mother talk to her doctor. But based on the findings in the recent study, she might be better off with the "water pills."

# posted by Medical Information : 3:11 AM