Hypertension - TUTORIAL Flashcards
What is the rationale for treating hypertension with diuretics? Which types are most effective?
Hypertension/ high blood pressure is caused by an increase in blood volume. Diuretics mean to rectify that as they decrease the amount of water retained in the body. This means that more body water is excreted, thus reducing the blood volume, leading to a decreased blood pressure.
The most effective diuretics are loop diuretics, such as Frudemide.
In advanced heart failure, the extracellular fluid volume is expanded and yet the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is active. Explain.
Normally, if the extracellular fluid volume increased, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity would decrease. However, in heart failure, there is decreased perfusion of the organs. With decreased blood flow, the kidneys sense that and release more renin in an attempt to increase renal blood volume. Thus the RAASystem will remain active.
