Which diuretic is commonly used for edema due to heart failure?

Which diuretic is commonly used for edema due to heart failure?

• A. Furosemide
• B. Hydrochlorothiazide
• C. Spironolactone
• D. Acetazolamide

Answer: (A)

Relieving edema in heart failure relies on a diuretic with strong, rapid diuresis to reduce fluid overload and preload. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, producing substantial natriuresis and water loss. This makes it highly effective for edema and acute decompensated or chronic heart failure, even when kidney perfusion is reduced. It can be given orally or IV to quickly alleviate congestion. The other diuretics are less suitable for rapid edema relief in heart failure: hydrochlorothiazide is less potent for significant edema; spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that provides mortality benefit in heart failure but is not the primary agent for rapid edema management; acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor with limited diuretic effect for this situation. Therefore, furosemide is the commonly used choice for heart-failure–related edema.

Relieving edema in heart failure relies on a diuretic with strong, rapid diuresis to reduce fluid overload and preload. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, producing substantial natriuresis and water loss. This makes it highly effective for edema and acute decompensated or chronic heart failure, even when kidney perfusion is reduced. It can be given orally or IV to quickly alleviate congestion.

The other diuretics are less suitable for rapid edema relief in heart failure: hydrochlorothiazide is less potent for significant edema; spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that provides mortality benefit in heart failure but is not the primary agent for rapid edema management; acetazolamide is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor with limited diuretic effect for this situation. Therefore, furosemide is the commonly used choice for heart-failure–related edema.