Once the need for drug therapy has been determined, the JNC-6 report p
rovides three pathways for the choice of therapy: for uncomplicated pa
tients, a diuretic or beta-blocker; for patients with diabetic nephrop
athy, isolated systolic hypertension, congestive heart failure or syst
olic dysfunction after myocardial infarction, specific drugs are compe
llingly indicated; for other conditions, certain drugs that provide fa
vorable effects are recommended. Whatever drug is chosen, long-acting
preparations that provide 24-h coverage with one daily dose are recomm
ended.