Hypertension
OLDER AND CHEAPER MEDICINES MORE EFFECTIVE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE – (01-05-04)
Misperceptions About Beta-Blockers and Diuretics
This is another one of those times that I have to throw up my hands in utter disbelief and confusion. It is now well accepted and proven that the older, cheaper meds for blood pressure are just as effective and safe as the new fancy-dancy expensive ones. And yet, clinicians are not getting the message. The same is happening with antibiotic overuse. There is such a disconnect between research and clinical practice as to be incredulous. I cannot believe that clinicians (and yes, I am generalizing here…) are so oblivious to what is in the medical literature. The only answer is that they never crack a medical journal and all their “continuing ed” comes from the drug companies. I know this reasoning is the only one that makes sense but I just find it hard to swallow–I believe most clinicians have only the based interests for their patients at heart.
Misperceptions About beta-Blockers and Diuretics. A National Survey of Primary Care Physicians – J Gen Intern Med, Vol 18, Is.. –
