Diuretics, also known as water pills, are used in the treatment of hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure), glaucoma, and edema (i.e., water retention). The primary function of diuretics consists of ridding the body of both sodium and water in order to decrease pressure along artery walls and reduce inflammation. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three members of the U.S. population suffers from high blood pressure. Individuals with high blood pressure are three times more likely to die from heart disease and four times more likely to die from stroke. These conditions account for roughly $131 billion in yearly health care costs. Research suggests that diuretics are currently the most effective treatment for managing and ...