How Do Diuretics Treat Heart Failure?
- When you have heart failure, fluid backs up in the body. Diuretics help your body get rid of salt (sodium) and water.
- The are three main types of diuretics: Thiazides, loop diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics.
- Side effects can include frequent urination, headache, fatigue and muscle cramps.
When you have heart failure, your heart is not working as well as it should; that means it's not pumping enough blood. As a result, fluid backs up in the body, especially in the lungs and in your legs (a condition called edema). That’s where diuretics can help: they decrease blood volume, so the heart has less to pump with each beat, which in turn eases your heart’s work.
Read MoreTypes Of Diuretics For Heart Failure
The are three main types of diuretics:- Thiazides
- Loop diuretics
- Potassium-sparing diuretics
Thiazides
Thiazides are mainly used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and are occasionally also used for heart failure. There are a number of thiazide diuretics – they include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlortalidone (Hygroton), hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, HydroDiuril, Microzide) and indapamide (Lozol).
In addition to getting rid of extra salt in your body, some diuretic medications also affect potassium levels in the blood. This mineral plays a key role in controlling blood pressure, as well as nerve and muscle function. Thiazides tend to lower potassium levels, so it's important to have occasional potassium blood tests to check your levels.
Loop diuretics
The most-used loop diuretics are furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), and torsemide (Soaanz). Compared with thiazides, this class of diuretics have strong action on the kidneys so you will notice a great increase in urine output. Loop diuretics also tend to lower potassium levels.
Potassium-sparing diuretics
Potassium-sparing diuretics, which include amiloride (Midamor), spironolactone (Aldactone), eplerenone (Inspra), and triamterene (Dyrenium) avoid the potential problem of potassium loss. But the opposite problem can occur. If potassium levels become too high, it can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems and even cardiac arrest.
Side Effects
Diuretics are the oldest and some of the least expensive drugs used to treat heart failure and high blood pressure. They have been studied extensively and are generally safe.
One of the most common side effects is frequent urination. Other possible side effects include:
- Lightheadedness/dizziness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Muscle cramps
- Low or high potassium levels
- Low sodium levels
- Joint disorders (gout)
- Impotence/erectile dysfunction
Make sure you keep your doctor informed about any side effects you experience with different medications. When it comes to treating heart failure, there are several treatment options and making healthy lifestyle adjustments, like getting moderate exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet, can also help deal with some of the symptoms of heart failure.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- How will I know my diuretic is working the way it's supposed to work?
- Am I taking any medications that might interact with a diuretic?
- Should I follow a low-salt diet while taking a diuretic?
- Should I have my blood pressure and kidney function tested while taking this drug?
- How often will I need to be monitored for potassium or sodium levels?
- Should I take a potassium supplement or avoid foods that contain potassium?
- How often should I weigh myself?
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