How Dangerous Are Diuretics?

Abstract
Two major concerns that have been raised against the use of diuretics are: (a) diuretic-induced hypokalaemia may predispose to dangerous ar-rhythmias including sudden death (Kolata, 1982); and (b) long term diuretic use may cause an in-crease in serum cholesterol and thus an increased risk of arteriosclerosis, including coronary artery disease (Grimm et al., 1981).