What is losartan? Doctor explains how the blood pressure medicine works - GMA Network

Losartan is one of the most common maintenance medicines for high blood pressure in the country. But recently, the medicine took on a different meaning after some netizens referred to Carlos Yulo’s bashers as “losartan warriors.”

On Tuesday’s episode of “Unang Hirit,” Dr. Alejandro Diaz, president of the Philippine Society of Hypertension, explained that losartan is a type of antihypertensive medicine used to lower blood pressure.

The doctor said patients taking losartan should pay close attention to the duration of its blood-pressure-lowering effect and follow their prescribed dosing schedule.

“Taking 50 mg may not be enough because the effect of 50 mg of losartan only lasts for half a day,” Diaz said.

“So, if you take it in the morning, its effect only lasts until the evening,” he added.

According to Diaz, hypertension, which happens when the force of the blood pumping through arteries is too strong, is caused by environmental factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, and stress, among others.

Hypertension may also be due to genetics, but Diaz said it’s a small factor.

Diaz added that blood pressure can rise when a person is experiencing strong emotions, such as anger or irritation.

According to the doctor, normal blood pressure is lower than or equal to 120/80 mmHg. Borderline blood pressure ranges from 120-139/80-89 mmHg, while hypertension is 140/90 mmHg or higher.

Diaz advised people to exercise regularly, avoid salty or highly processed foods, and get seven to eight hours of sleep to help prevent hypertension.

When left untreated, chronic hypertension may strain the heart, damage blood vessels, and increase the risk of a heart attack.

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