diuretics and dehydration in hot weather

[LindaDaisy]

Do people still take their diuretics when it’s really hot? One of my friends queried it with me, saying it’s important to be hydrated, especially if you have heart issues and it’s hot so why take a diuretic. I’m still taking mine (10mg Dapaglifloxin and 80mg of furosemide) and working hard on drinking more. What do others think?

[BobD Volunteer]

I think you are right. Fluid retention is not the same as good hydration and puts a heavy load on your heart.

Out of interest I use the standard colour chart for good hydration. Pee clear or dry white wine colour is fine. If Lucozade colour then drink another litre of liquid.

Interestingly I felt a little light headed yesterday so took my blood prerssure which was 105/68- some 20/10 lower that usual even though I was peeing clear so even that is not foolproof. A few more pints of water brought it back up quiet soon.

[ETFCfan in reply to BobD]

I use your method but I’m a bit concerned as my BP has dropped to your level too Bob. My husbands is also about the same (no AF ) much lower than usual. Trying hard to hydrate my husband as he never drinks enough in my opinion

[Singwell]

Depends why you need to have them. I'd calk your GP for advice.

[Ducky2003]

As Bob says, fluid retention and hydration are two different things. I'm continuing to take mine, if required, but if you're concerned, contact your GP for guidance.😊.

[MoyB]

I am still taking mine, although as my legs are not swelling so much since my ablation 2 weeks ago, despite the heat, (Hooray! Hope it's not just coincidence!) I am cutting down slightly today. I was started on 40mg Furosemide a day last August when my leg swelling became an issue and my AF went into overdrive. The dose was then increased by another 20 mg as the swelling became worse and has since been increased to 40mg twice a day. I've been told I can decrease it at any time if the swelling is under control so I'm trying it from today. xx Moy

[SuziElley]

Continuing to take mine and drinking more. We should, anyway, drink plenty to stay hydrated and even more important if on diuretics. An extra litre or two in this hot weather!

[KipperJohn]

The issue is surely why has a diuretic has been prescribed in the first place. I am on Bumetanide and Dapagliflozin and losartan for heart failure (Lv dysfunction with reduced ejection fraction) plus Metoprolol and Apixaban for permanent AF. As I understand things it’s the recommended treatment by NICE so I’m not arguing and continue to take everything as prescribed. My heart failure specialist said initially I’d need to restrict my liquid intake to one and half litres daily to get rid of excess fluid. Now that I’ve lost a stone in weight with the same diet I feel happy enough to increase my water intake slightly to compensate for the hot weather - but it’s still important to check weight and any other signs daily. Regular blood tests for kidney function are also high on my agenda- sometimes it’s necessary to chase these as there’s a backlog for appointments with the local HF nursing team.