All concepts, explanations, trials, and studies have been
re-written in plain English and may contain errors. I am
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Diuretic Use In CHF

The main purpose of using diuretics is usually lost sight
of. The real reason to use them is to relieve shortness of
breath by using the smallest effective dose of diuretic.
	There are hazards to overuse of diuretic: lowering
heart output, causing blood to coagulate too fast, and
causing electrolyte imbalance, to name a few. The idea is
to reduce symptoms, not drastically reduce weight by
lowering the amount of fluid in the body.
	Potassium without magnesium will not enter cells
and diuretic overuse can deplete the body's magnesium
stores. Long-term diuretic use can - if not carefully
monitored - cause osteoporosis. Water soluble vitamins
like thiamine and vitamin C may also be lost if a CHFer
is kept too "dry."
	Checking jugular vein pressure and monitoring
shortness of breath are more important than body weight
in deciding diuretic dose.

Title:  Pearls and Pitfalls in the Use and Abuse of
        Diuretics for Chronic Congestive Heart Failure.
Author: Constant J.
Source: Cardiology .1999;92(3):156-61.