What is the role of diuretics in the management of pulmonary hypertension?

Diuretics play a crucial role in the management of pulmonary hypertension primarily by reducing fluid build-up in the body. In patients with pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure can occur as a consequence of increased pressures in the pulmonary arteries. This can lead to fluid retention and edema as the heart struggles to pump effectively against the elevated pressure.

By administering diuretics, the excess fluid is removed from the body, which helps alleviate symptoms associated with fluid overload, such as swelling in the legs and abdomen. This reduction in fluid can decrease the preload on the heart, potentially improving its function and providing symptomatic relief. The use of diuretics, therefore, is essential in managing the complications that arise from pulmonary hypertension, helping to enhance the patient's quality of life.

The other choices reflect functions that are not directly achieved by diuretics. For example, diuretics do not increase lung volume, restore normal heart rhythm, or expand blood vessels. Instead, their primary action is focused on fluid management, making them integral to reducing complications related to volume overload in patients with pulmonary hypertension.