While there are many different types of blood pressure medications, diuretics are often among the first choices when treating hypertension. These drugs are very effective and don't have many side effects in most people. This drug treatment can be combined with exercise, dietary changes and stress reduction to lower blood pressure.
Definitions
Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. Left untreated, hypertension can cause heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure. Diuretics are also known as "water pills" and are often prescribed to treat hypertension or relieve edema. They may be given in combination with other drugs such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors -- also known as ACE inhibitors.
Mechanism of Action
Sodium normally raises blood pressure. Diuretics work by making the kidneys filter sodium from your blood into your urine. Since water follows the sodium, water is removed from the blood and excreted into the urine. Lowering the sodium content of the blood and removing water lowers blood pressure.
Varieties
Several different families of diuretics exist, each with slightly different mechanisms of action. Two families commonly prescribed for hypertension are loop diuretics, such as Lasix, or furosemide, and thiazides such as hydrochlorothiazide. Different families of diuretics work on different parts of the kidney to prevent sodium from going back into the blood.
Low Sodium Diet
Diuretics are most effect when you lower your intake of dietary sodium. Avoiding processed foods such as canned soups and frozen foods helps control sodium intake. The American Heart Association recommends consuming no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day. It suggests using spices instead of the salt shaker, and focusing on eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.
