Diuretics in the Treatment of Hypertension

Abstract

The orally effective diuretic agent chlorothiazide has greatly simplified the treatment of hypertension and has reawakened interest in the role of sodium and water in the mechanism of this condition.

Chlorothiazide lowers arterial pressure and enhances the effectiveness of ganglion-blocking agents given either singly or in combination.

From studies conducted by the author, it was concluded that the decrease in the volume of plasma caused by short-term administration of chlorothiazide decreases cardiac output and increases vasomotor tone, thereby producing a situation in which antihypertensive drugs which act on the central nervous system become more effective.