Final answer:
Furosemide, a loop diuretic, is used to treat both hypertension and heart failure by increasing urination and removing excess fluids from the body. It works by inhibiting the reabsorption of Na+ and Cl- in the kidneys. This medication is particularly impactful for patients who do not respond to other treatments or are in a hypertensive crisis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The medication furosemide, commonly known as Lasix, is a loop diuretic primarily used in the management of both hypertension and heart failure. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, act on the ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidneys, where they inhibit the reabsorption of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-) ions. This inhibition leads to an increase in the elimination of water, since water follows the excreted ions, which results in increased urination. The increase in urine output helps to lower blood pressure and can relieve the symptoms associated with heart failure.
For patients who are not responding well to ACE inhibitors or other diuretics, furosemide can be used to relieve heart failure symptoms. Moreover, in emergency cases of hypertensive crisis, furosemide can be administered as an IV drip to quickly lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart failure.
Diuretics like furosemide are valuable in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, enhancing patient outcomes by controlling blood pressure levels and reducing the workload on the heart.