heart and blood vessel disorders
Drug Treatment for Heart Failure
Diuretics
Diuretics ("water pills") are often prescribed when salt restriction alone does not reduce fluid retention. These drugs help the kidneys eliminate salt and water by increasing urine formation and thus decreasing fluid volume throughout the body. Loop diuretics,such asfurosemide,torsemide, orbumetanide, are the diuretics most commonly used for heart failure. These diuretics are usually taken by mouth on a long-term basis, but in an emergency, they are very effective when given intravenously. Loop diuretics are preferred for moderate to severe heart failure. Thiazide diuretics,such ashydrochlorothiazide, which have milder effects and can lower blood pressure, may be prescribed particularly for people who also have high blood pressure. Loop and thiazide diuretics can cause potassium to be lost in the urine, resulting in Hypokalemia (Low Level of Potassium in the Blood) . Consequently, a diuretic that causes potassium levels to increase (a potassium-sparing diuretic) or a potassium supplement may be given as well. For all people with heart failure, Taking diuretics can worsen urinary incontinence. However, a dose of a diuretic can usually be timed so that the risk of incontinence does not occur when a bathroom is unavailable or when access to one is inconvenient. 