Table 1: Major guidelines concerning recommended first-line anti-hypertensives (in the absence of compelling indications or contraindications)

Guidelines Region /
country of origin		 Recommended first-line
anti-hypertensives		 Reasons of such
recommendation		 Reference
no.
1.
World Health Organization (WHO), 1999
 WHO ACEIs* & CCBs* along with diuretics and -blockers No differences in primary outcomes in any trials 10
2.
Heart Foundation 1999
 Australia Any Prescription dependent on multiple factors 11
3.
British Hypertension Society, 1999
 United Kingdom Low-dose thiazides Least expensive; Most supportive trial evidence 12
4.
European Society of Hypertension, 2003
 Europe Any Emphasize on the cardiovascular risk factors and individual patient characteristics 6
5.
The 7th Report of the JNC, 2003
 USA Thiazide-type diuretics (a) More affordable;
(b) Enhance anti-HT efficacy of multi-drug regimens
(c) Useful in achieving BP control		 13
* Note: ACEIs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; CCBs: Calcium-Channel Blockers