Use of Diuretics in the Treatment of Heart Failure in Older Adults

Domenic A Sica; Todd W B Gehr; William H Frishman

doi:10.1016/j.hfc.2017.02.006

Use of Diuretics in the Treatment of Heart Failure in Older Adults

Heart Fail Clin. 2017 Jul;13(3):503-512. doi: 10.1016/j.hfc.2017.02.006.

Authors

Domenic A Sica¹, Todd W B Gehr², William H Frishman³

Affiliations

¹ Clinical Pharmacology and Hypertension, Box 980160, MCV Station, Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University, 1101 East Marshall Street, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
² Division of Nephrology, Box 980160, MCV Station, Medical College of Virginia of Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
³ Department of Medicine, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA. Electronic address: William_Frishman@nymc.edu.

PMID: 28602368
DOI: 10.1016/j.hfc.2017.02.006

Abstract

Diuretics are the most commonly prescribed class of drugs in patients with heart failure, and in the short term they remain the most effective treatment for relief from fluid congestion. This article reviews the mode of action of the various diuretic classes and the physiologic adaptations that follow and sets up the basis for their use in the treatment of volume-retaining states, particularly as applies to the elderly. In addition, the article reviews the common side effects related to diuretics.

Keywords: Diuretics; Elderly patients; Fluid congestion; Heart failure.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Age Factors
Aged
Diuretics / therapeutic use*
Heart Failure / drug therapy*
Humans

Substances

Diuretics