Types of Diuretics
Diuretics are often used to treat hypertension. Diuretics fall into three categories: potassium-sparing, loop and thiazide. All of these medicines affect the kidneys, but each does so in different ways. Generally, individuals with hypertension are prescribed medications in the thiazide group. Some common thiazide medications are hydrochlrothiazide, metalazone and chlorothiazide.
Effects on Blood Pressure
Diuretics are also referred to as water pills. Diuretics aid the body in releasing salt and excess water. Diuretics causes the kidneys to add more sodium to the urine which will then be excreted by the body. When the sodium is excreted it takes along extra water with it as well. This reduces the amount of water in the blood stream. Less fluid in the blood stream means that there will be less pressure exerted on the artery walls. Thus, blood pressure will be lower.
Blood Pressure Control
Sometimes diuretics alone will effectively treat hypertension. However, if the blood pressure is not controlled adequately with diuretics, then patients may also be prescribed other medication such as ACE inhibitors or beta blockers.
Tags: Blood Pressure, blood stream, treat hypertension