Hypertension

Answer Explanation:

• Conn’s syndrome, Acromegaly, Phaeochromocytoma, and Cushing’s syndrome are all secondary causes of hypertension. They cause hypertension by increasing the production of hormones that raise blood pressure.
• Addison’s disease, on the other hand, does not cause hypertension. It is a condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, leading to low blood pressure, not high.

Overview of Addison’s Disease:

• Addison’s disease, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare disorder of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are 2 small glands that sit on top of the kidneys. They produce two essential hormones: cortisol and aldosterone.
• In Addison’s disease, the adrenal gland is damaged, and not enough cortisol and aldosterone are produced.
• Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, low blood pressure and darkening of the skin.
• Addison’s disease can lead to a life-threatening situation, known as an Addisonian crisis, or acute adrenal insufficiency. In this situation, the levels of cortisol drop suddenly, requiring immediate medical attention.
• It is usually treated with medication to replace the missing hormones. With treatment, symptoms of Addison’s disease can largely be controlled and most people with the disease live a normal lifespan.

Answer Explanation:

• Losartan is the correct answer because it is an Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) commonly used in the treatment of hypertension. ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict. By blocking this action, ARBs help to relax and widen blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
• Sodium nitroprusside is a powerful vasodilator used in hypertensive emergencies, not for regular hypertension treatment.
• Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure, not for hypertension.
• Isosorbide mononitrate is a nitrate used for the treatment of angina, not hypertension.
• Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic medication used to treat and prevent a number of types of irregular heartbeats, not hypertension.

Overview of Hypertension:

• Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.
• It is often termed as the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms until it has done significant damage to the heart and arteries.
• Primary (essential) hypertension: For most adults, there’s no identifiable cause of high blood pressure. This type of high blood pressure, called primary (essential) hypertension, tends to develop gradually over many years.
• Secondary hypertension: Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension.
• Various medications can be used to treat hypertension, including diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) like Losartan.

Answer Explanation:

• Hypertension can indeed be caused by Conn’s syndrome. Conn’s syndrome, also known as primary hyperaldosteronism, is a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone aldosterone. This excess aldosterone leads to fluid retention and increased blood pressure.

Incorrect Options Explanation:

• Hypertension is not always treated with combination therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the hypertension and the patient’s overall health status. Some patients may only need lifestyle changes or a single medication.
• While secondary hypertension (hypertension caused by an underlying condition) is more common in younger individuals, it is not usually the cause in those under 40 years. Primary or essential hypertension, which has no identifiable cause, is more common.
• Hypertension is not uncommon in black Africans. In fact, studies have shown that hypertension is more prevalent in black Africans compared to other ethnic groups.
• Hypertension should be treated in pregnancy. Untreated hypertension can lead to complications for both the mother and the baby. However, the choice of medication should be carefully considered as some antihypertensives are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Hypertension Overview:

• Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high.
• It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke.
• Primary or essential hypertension is the most common type and has no identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying condition like kidney disease or hormonal disorders, including Conn’s syndrome.
• Treatment for hypertension includes lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake. Medications may also be prescribed, either alone or in combination, depending on the severity of the hypertension and the patient’s overall health status.