Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common ailment among the older members of the population. It is considered as a chronic condition which is triggered by a sudden spike in blood circulation. It has been dubbed as the “silent killer” in many countries due to its unpredictability.

Symptoms

The important thing to note about hypertension is that it usually comes without signs or symptoms, which is one reason as to why it is considered as a “silent killer” for the mere fact that it just happens without warning. In any case, common symptoms which could be characteristic of other ailments include headaches, vertigo, light headedness, as well as some reported cases of fainting and nausea. Again, it should be noted that these symptoms are not exclusive to hypertension, which is why they are not conclusive and somehow unreliable.

Among all demographics, adults would be the most prone to fall prey to this illness, which is why regular check-up is recommended in order to trace it well in advance.

Causes

High blood pressure is a common side effect of aging, and is also often associated with lifestyle choices as well as certain environmental factors. In some cases, genetics also contribute to one’s likelihood of contracting this ailment later on in life.

Primary Hypertension

Also known as essential hypertension, this is the most common variant which accounts for more than 90% of recorded high blood pressure cases worldwide. While genetics also come into play, this particular type of hypertension is often blamed on a person’s lifestyle and the environment he lives in. Stress is one of the primary causes being singled out by most experts in the field. Increased intake of caffeine is also said to contribute to sudden spikes in blood pressure.

Secondary Hypertension

This particular variant of high blood pressures is said to be cause by other diseases or ailments suffered by the patient. The most common diseases which lead to the development of this kind of hypertension include renal ailments, endocrine issues, thyroid problems, and acromegaly, among others. Obesity and pregnancy are also blames in some cases.

Other Possible Causes

Aside from other diseases and environmental factors, a person’s genetic makeup and profile could also be blamed as probable causes of hypertension. While the risk of contracting hypertension increases with age, individuals who do not exercise, do not eat vegetables and fruits, drink a lot of coffee, with increased sodium and alcohol intake, obese, and have a family history of high blood pressure are classified as high risk as far as hypertension is concerned. Such individuals are recommended to have regular check-ups in order to detect the disease early, for purposes of prevention.

Children

Children are not classified under high risk of high blood pressure, but those with family history of hypertension are advised to watch their lifestyle choices, particularly dietary intake, for better prevention. Regular check-up is also recommended to make sure that prevention would be effective.

Clinical Diagnosis

Diagnosis of high blood pressure is no simple task, and would sometimes require a complete battery of tests which would involve the renal, endocrine, and metabolic systems. In any case, a complete physical examination accompanied by a detailed family history would be the crucial first step in diagnosing hypertension. After that, up to three sphygmomanometer measurements for blood pressure would be conducted and should be done in monthly intervals for an accurate diagnosis. Hypertension could also be detected in sudden spike in blood circulation levels, which could be measured through systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurement tools.

Treatment and Medication

There are many prescription drugs out in the market today, but your physician would likely prescribe Losartan as a common choice of drug to battle hypertension. The most widely distributed brand of such drug is Cozaar, and is also referred to as Losartan potassium tablets by most pharmacists.

Losartan has long been prescribed as a drug of choice for hypertension given its properties as an angiotensin II antagonist, which is essential for its antihypertensive properties. The reduced levels of angiotensin II leads to a decrease in aldosterone, which consequently allows the body to regulate blood circulation in a more efficient manner.

Aside from high blood pressure, Losartan is also a common prescription drug for nephropathy, which is an ailment of the kidneys usually associated with patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. The drug is also known to be prescribed for patients with micro albuminuria and proteinuria, among others.

Remember that the dosage would greatly depend on the severity of your illness and could only be accurately prescribed by a qualified physician. Losartan is usually marketed in tablets of 50 mg each. If to be consumed by children, it would be best to consult a doctor first to ensure safety and efficiency.