Show N MEDICALLY Thi SPEAKING SPEAKING- SP EAKIN Gt 4 6 By Dr David Evans Vernal Family Health Center Diuretics and hypertension My husband has hypertension and his doctor is treating him with a drug called and a potassium supplement How do these drugs lower blood pressure R. R W. W Jensen or is a diuretic Many accumulate fluid have swollen ankles or shortness of breath because the work of the heart has been impaired by the added pressure placed on it The diuretics have become a standard weapon in the doctors doctor's black bag and are probably the most widely used of the anti- anti drugs At least one out of every three patients with mild or moderate hypertension can be bee controlled by diuretics often with only one pill a day There are several types of some diuretics-some are effective for short periods some for as long as 24 hours All increase the excretion of salt and water When treatment is stopped fluid is retained and blood volume and pressure may promptly go up Because the diuretics cause excretion of potassium as well as sodium your doctor may have you take a potassium supplement or may ask that you eat oranges bananas or tomato juice and such vegetables as broccoli carrots celery etc all of which contain potassium There are special drugs that eliminate sodium and water but not potassium Be sure you talk it over with your doctor before increasing your potassium intake One caution in the summer time many patients sweat excessively or voluntarily restrict sodium intake and not mention it to their physicians If you find you are suddenly faint on arising from a lying position notify your doctor Patients on diuretics may find they have to urinate more frequently than usual Some may experience weakness fatigue or leg cramps The doctor will want to know about these symptoms Diuretics are the cornerstone of all drug treatments because they increase kidney activity and the excretion of fluids The pumping of the heart is lessened and the blood pressure falls If yo you are adhering to a salt salt- restricted diet a smaller dose may be required than if you are taking liberal amounts of salt In addition to lowering blood pressure on its own diuretics increase the response to other anti drugs and allow a lower dose of the second drug to be given if and when it becomes necessary Dr Evans will answer questions of general interest through this column If you have any questions or comments comments comments com com- ments please send them to the Vernal Express |