Diuretics for congenital heart defects

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Diuretics cause the kidneys to remove water and salt (sodium) from the body. This reduces the amount of fluid in the body, lowers blood pressure, and helps the heart beat stronger. Because these medicines increase urination, diuretics are commonly called "water pills."

In children who have congenital heart defects, diuretics often are given to treat symptoms of heart failure. Diuretics allow the heart to function more efficiently, which helps improve swelling and breathing difficulty.

Diuretics reduce the amount of extra water in the body, thereby relieving symptoms such as shortness of breath.

The most common side effects of diuretics include:

• Frequent urination.
• Reduced levels of chemicals (such as potassium, magnesium, and sodium) in the blood. Low potassium can lead to irregular heartbeats.
• Weakness.
• Dehydration.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

Some diuretics need to be taken with potassium pills or with a diet that has enough potassium (found in citrus fruits, bananas, tomatoes, and other foods).

A person may need regular blood tests while taking diuretics to monitor the levels of chemicals such as potassium in the blood.

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