Final answer:
Diuretics treat chronic high blood pressure by increasing urine output of water and salt, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. They inhibit the reabsorption of ions such as Na+ and Cl- in different parts of the nephron, reducing fluid volume in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diuretics are used to treat chronic high blood pressure, by increasing amount of urine (water and salt) released from the body. This would lead to an decrease in blood pressure. Diuretics work by inhibiting the absorption of Na+ and Cl- ions in the nephron, resulting in a higher excretion of these ions along with water. By increasing the output of urine, they reduce the overall fluid volume in the body, which can lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.
For example, the common diuretic hydrochlorothiazide inhibits the Na+/Cl- symporter in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) and collecting duct of the nephron, resulting in sodium and water loss to decrease blood pressure. Loop diuretics, like furosemide, target the loop of Henle and inhibit the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl-, leading to increased urine production and decreased blood pressure.