(1) Heart failure-which simply means a reduction in the reserve
capacity of the heart. This may be caused by a faulty valve in the heart, or by a weakening of the heart muscle itself. In heart failure the body contains too
much salt and too much water, resulting in shortness of breath (due to water
accumulating in the lungs) and ankle swelling. Diuretics relieve these
symptoms, and the benefit is obvious and can be dramatic.
(2) High Blood Pressure. -Diuretics are a simple drug treatment for
people with raised blood pressure. The way they work is not completely
understood: they probably cause the small arteries in the body to widen
slightly, so reducing the pressure inside them.
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