The use of diuretics in heart insufficiency in the elderly
Correia, J.F.
Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia Orgao Oficial da Sociedade Portuguesa de Cardiologia 11(10): 823-838
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0870-2551 PMID: 1285961 Document Number: 390667
The kidney function alterations with age and on congestive heart failure, are reviewed as the pharmacocynetic and pharmacodynamic of the diuretics on old patients with this syndrome. The therapeutic importance of hiposodic diet was considered. The reasons for the susceptibility of old people to diuretics and the criteria for the choice of the diuretic on this age, are reviewed. So are the most important adverse effect of diuretics on old people and the contra-indication for the use of these drugs on elderly. The importance of hypocalaemia on old people and how to prevent or correct it are considered. The haemodynamic risks of an excessive diureses are reviewed. Finally, we propose some recommendations about the use of diuretics on the elderly.