A View At The Action Of Diuretics On Hypertension
The effect of diuretics is very benefic: they help the kidneys to eliminate a larger quantity of water and salt by means of the urine; this produces the lowering of blood pressure by the relaxation of the arteries and of other blood vessels.
In the treatment for hypertension, diuretics are usually associated with other medicines, because their action can help those of the other medication and prevents the organism from fluid retention. In most of the cases, hydrochlorothiazide is prescribed.
The disadvantage of diuretics is that they lower the quantity of potassium in the organism. This means that you should add as much potassium as possible in your diet: tomatoes, bananas, citrus fruits, etc; however, you may also need to take potassium pills.
Diuretics are not recommended for people that have sulfa allergies, because this is one of their basic compounds.
These medicines decrease the chances for a stroke, heart attack or any other heart conditions. Research proved it to have the highest efficiency degree in the battle against hypertension and the risks produced in older people by hypertension. A landmark study (ALLHAT), which is very new states this after comparing their results to those obtained from ACE inhibitors and of calcium channel blockers. Diuretics are the number one in annihilating the effects of hypertension and in the prevention of stroke and also help to decrease the possibility of fatal or non-fatal heart attacks.
More effective than diuretics in the prevention of heart attacks are, according to a new clinical trial (the Second Australian National Blood Pressure Study), ACE inhibitors, mostly on white, older men.
A treatment involving diuretics is not extremely expensive but medical examinations are required before taking it.
In order to control your hypertension, it is vital for you to follow the prescription given by your doctor concerning medicines. Even if you feel well and have no sign of hypertension, don't forget to take your pills.