Diuretics: How Do They Help Lower High Blood Pressure?

Diuretics, often called water pills, help remove excess salt and water from the bloodstream through urine. There are different types of diuretics available and they all work differently on the kidneys, but the main goal of this prescription drug is to draw sodium into the urine and reduce the amount of fluid in the body. This effect is commonly used as a first-line treatment for heart conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension). Excess sodium in the body leads to fluid retention, which makes it harder for the vascular system to circulate blood, which increases pressure on the blood vessels. To solve this problem, immunosuppressants are prescribed.

What are diuretics?

Diuretics or diuretics are drugs that are designed to remove excess fluid from the body by increasing urine production. This helps the kidneys release more sodium into the urine.” The sodium helps remove water from the blood, reducing the amount of fluid flowing through the veins and arteries, which in turn lowers blood pressure. They make you urinate more often, which is why you should take them in the morning if you can,” explains Dr Shailesh Kakde Nephrologist. You may need to take these medicines once or twice a day at the same time each day. In most cases, they are taken orally, but in some severe cases, they are taken intravenously (through a vein).

Why are diuretics used?

The most common condition treated with diuretics is high blood pressure (hypertension) or those with too much fluid in the body, according to research published in StatPearls. They can other health conditions, such as:

• Cirrhosis: Liver disease in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, leading to various complications.
• Liver failure: A serious condition in which the liver cannot perform its vital functions.
• Heart failure: A condition in which the heart has difficulty pumping blood effectively.
• Kidney disease: Since the kidneys filter blood, kidney problems can lead to blood pressure problems.
• Edema: Characterized by excessive fluid accumulation in the body, which leads to swelling.
• Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, potentially causing vision loss.

Overall, they help manage symptoms related to fluid retention.

How can diuretics help with high blood pressure?

Diuretics are drugs that help eliminate excess water and salts from the body by increasing urine production. Dr Kakde explains: “The drugs reduce the amount of fluid build-up in your blood vessels and this helps lower your blood pressure.” They are commonly prescribed to treat hypertension, or high blood pressure, which can contribute to the development of heart disease and stroke by putting too much pressure on the walls of blood vessels.

According to the Journal of Hypertension, prescribed diuretics can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of serious health problems. Since high sodium levels in the bloodstream are a major factor in high blood pressure, diuretics help remove sodium and are useful in treating high blood pressure.

Species

They come in different forms, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs), loop diuretics, osmotic diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics and thiazides, each with specific uses and potential side effects, according to a study published in the Archives of Pharmacology.

1. Thiazide diuretics

These include hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, metolazone, and indapamide, which are the most common types of diuretics used to increase salt excretion in the urine. They help reduce fluid levels and relax blood vessels. Its side effects include headaches, loss of appetite and hair loss.

2. Loop diuretics

These include furosemide, bumetanide, ethacrynic acid, and torsemide, which are often used to treat heart failure, kidney disease or cirrhosis, and high blood pressure. They cause the kidneys to release more fluid, which leads to increased urine production. This can also help reduce the symptoms of edema and shortness of breath that fluid retention may have caused. Its side effects include dizziness, diarrhea and stomach upset.

3. Potassium-sparing diuretics

Amiloride, eplerenone, triamterene, and spironolactone are potassium-sparing diuretics that can help your kidneys clear salt and water from your body, but don’t make you lose too much potassium in the process. They are often used together with other diuretics to prevent hypokalemia (potassium deficiency). Its side effects include gas, nausea and headaches.

4. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs)

They contain acetazolamide, methazolamide and dorzolamide, which are used to block the action of an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase. This enzyme is involved in various body processes and inhibiting it can have effects such as reducing eye pressure or increasing urine production. CAIs are often used to treat glaucoma, congestive heart failure, and edema.

5. Osmotic diuretics

Osmotic diuretics, such as mannitol, remove extra water from the body without disturbing electrolyte balance. This is primarily used in acute situations, such as reducing intracranial pressure or treating acute kidney injury.

Also read: How to control high blood pressure without drugs?

Each type of diuretic has specific uses and possible side effects. All of the above information is mentioned in a study published by the Archives of Pharmacology.

Side effects you must know

• Lack of potassium in the blood
• Too much potassium in the blood
• Low sodium levels
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Elevated blood sugar
• Muscle cramps
• Elevated cholesterol
• Skin rash
• Gout
• Diarrhea

“In some rare and serious cases, a person may experience more serious side effects, including allergic reactions, kidney failure and irregular heartbeat. If a person experiences side effects while taking diuretics, they should talk to a doctor. Also, a person should never start or stop taking their diuretics without consulting a doctor,” says Dr Kakde.

Risk of diuretics

Water tablets are generally safe, but there are some risks if you have other medical conditions or take certain medications.

1. Diseases

Although diuretics are effective in treating conditions such as high blood pressure and edema, there are a number of risks involved. For individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, gout, pancreatitis, kidney disease, and menstrual problems, diuretics can worsen electrolyte imbalances, lead to dehydration, or impair kidney function. So a person should let their doctor know if they have any conditions before taking water pills.

2. Drug interactions

Some medications, such as laxatives, oral diabetes medications, blood pressure lowering medications, antidepressants, digoxin, and other high blood pressure medications, can interact with diuretics. Diuretics can change the effectiveness of these drugs and increase the risk of side effects.

3. Herbal and plant diuretics

Herbal or plant diuretics, such as hawthorn, green and black tea, and parsley, may seem safer because of their natural origins, but they also carry risks. These herbal remedies may interact with prescription medications or aggravate existing health conditions. Therefore, it is important to avoid or take them after consulting a doctor.

Prescription diuretics can help treat serious conditions, such as heart failure, and less severe conditions, such as mild high blood pressure. However, if you experience side effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to help you.