Diuretics, also called as water pills, help to remove excessive water from the body. These medications can be found in 2 forms, natural diuretic food and synthetic diuretics. The common diuretic function is to assist the kidney in throwing away the surplus sodium as well as water from the body.
When an individual suffering from high blood pressure takes diuretics, it can evolve the heart pumping in a normal way, and can cause the arteries walls to dilate as the excessive water is removed from the body. Because of this effect doctors advise diuretics for reducing high BP. Diuretics are often prescribed for such disorders as glaucoma, kidney and liver disorders and heart failure.
Types of diuretics
Diuretics can be found in three different forms, including:
- Loop diuretics
- Thiazide diuretics
- Potassium sparing diuretics
The most effective for treating hypertension are considered thiazide diuretics. And loop diuretics are actually more beneficial for patients who suffer from heart failure, kidney disorders, etc, and potassium sparing diuretics in their turn raise potassium levels in the body. However, the last 2 diuretics are presumably not effective for treating high blood pressure.
Diuretics for hypertension
It is highly recommended to use water pills on a regular basis as it helps to normalize high blood pressure and is effective for the prevention of different health disorders which might happen because of hypertension, including a stroke and also heart failure. Diuretics are also preferred due to the fact that these drugs are about 20 times cheaper compared to other medications for managing high blood pressure. Though, it is definitely not the only high BP medicine and it is normally combined with some other drugs.
Diet
In order to reduce the adverse effects of water pill, you might need to follow a certain diet recommended by the doctor. Some patients may need to include low sodium food in their diet. In case you have a diagnosis of potassium deficiency, you might need to take potassium supplements as well as food rich in potassium. Alcohol is to be completely avoided to lower the risks of the adverse effects of water pills.
Diuretic pills for hypertension are advised to be used twice a day at least. It is necessary to check your blood pressure regularly during the treatment with diuretics. In case you notice any side effects, it is of high importance to consult the doctor right away so that to prevent severe health disorders.