[Diuretics in the treatment of hypertension: critical analysis of opinions of general practitioners and cardiologists].

To better evaluate the clinical practice of French practitioners regarding the treatment of hypertension and the use of diuretics, we conducted a study using quota method to select 240 general practitioners and 90 cardiologists. Diuretics are still widely used and are effective well known drugs. Their use is nevertheless restricted by some side effects such as increasing frequency of micturition and electrolyte disturbances. These side effects are reduced with the new lower dosages and slow release formulations. Analysis of the results of our study suggests that the use of diuretics depends more on old habits and industry communication on drugs than on the knowledge of the results of therapeutic trials on mortality and morbidity.