Researchers said that diuretics, sometimes called water pills, perform better than other medications meant to control high blood pressure.

The work confirmed a landmark 2002 study, according to a news release from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

The results came from what the release said was the largest trial ever of hypertension treatments. It studied four classes of drugs in more than 162,000 patients.

"Diuretic drugs work as well or better than other medications in preventing heart failure," said Dr. Barry Davis.

Diuretic drugs reduce blood pressure by clearing the body of excess fluid and sodium. They were compared to ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers.

Water pills, which have been in use for several decades, are usually less expensive than other treatments.

The new research analyzed the large 2002 study, as well as 28 others.

About one in three adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure which, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, can lead to a host of health problems including heart failure, coronary heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

The analysis appears in the May 11 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.