Abstract

DIURETICS IN HEART FAILURE

Payal Preet*

ABSTRACT

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a complex chronic disease that is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, as well as significant economic burden on the healthcare system worldwide. Diuretics are considered currently to be the first-line treatment for patients with chronic heart failure, irrespective of aetiology, age, sex, and the individual characteristics of the patient, since they provide symptomatic relief. Diuretics are used extensively in hospitals and in community medical practice for the management of cardiovascular diseases. They are used frequently as the first line treatment for mild to moderate hypertension and are an integral part of the management of symptomatic heart failure. Although diuretics have been used for several decades, there is still some ambiguity and confusion regarding the optimal way of using these common drugs. Evidence-based medicine with respect to diuretic treatment in heart failure remains difficult as only a limited number of small prospective studies have been performed. Ongoing research is necessary to determine the ideal diuretic strategy and to optimally evaluate full decongestion (euvolaemia) in heart failure.

Keywords: Heart Failure, Diuretic therapy, Loop Diuretics, Diuretic Resistance.