A. Hypertension
Diuretics, so-called water pills, are the most valuable, yet inexpensive agents of proven benefit for the manage¬ment of hypertension. These agents have been used worldwide for more than 40 years and are still considered by experts to be the first choice for the initial treatment of hypertension. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint National Committee (JNC) advise that a diuretic or a beta-blocker should be chosen as initial therapy for most patients, except those with bronchial asthma in whom a beta-blocker is contraindicated.
A diuretic is the drug of choice for the initial treatment in individuals of African origin over age 60, because these agents have been shown to be more effective than the three other agents available for the management of hypertension. Diuretics are not as effective in the younger individuals of African origin. A diuretic is necessary for the management of hypertension in patients with heart failure or edema
B. Heart Failure
Diuretics, particularly loop diuretics such as furosemide and torsemide, are the mainstay of therapy for the millions of patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. Severe shortness of breath due to congestion of blood with retention of salt and water in the lungs is relieved by diuretics. There is little or no benefit from the three major drugs used for the optimal therapy of heart failure.

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