[Diuretics in cardiovascular pathology. Their clinical use in the light of recent pathogenetic studies]

The action of the most common diuretics is reviewed with emphasis on precise indications in the case of cardiac deficiency, arterial hypertension and certain forms of angina pectoris. These drugs are judged extremely useful if the necessary precautions are taken at all times. Disturbances to the water-electrolyte balance may however occur during treatment and changes in the magnesium electrolyte are described in the light of recent developments in our knowledge of the physiopathology of diuretics.