Chlorthalidone is prescribed alone, or in conjunction with other medications, to treat high blood pressure. It is also used to treat fluid retention (edema) caused by conditions like heart and kidney disease.
High blood pressure is a dangerous – potentially fatal – condition in which the heart is met with too much resistance from blocked or narrowed arteries as it tries to pump blood and oxygen around your body. When not treated, high blood pressure can lead to an array of serious health issues including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and many more complications. Nearly ½ of Americans have high blood pressure, and heart disease is the leading cause of death of people in the United States.
Edema is commonly caused by the conditions listed above. It frequently affects the hands, arms, legs, feet, and ankles.
Common symptoms of edema include:
- Swelling in the affected area
- The skin over the affected area looks stretched out or shiny
- The skin holds a dimple after pressure is applied to it for several seconds
- Difficulty breathing (if the edema is in lung tissue)
- Difficulty with movement
- Swelling in the abdomen