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Question 1

What is the definition of hypertension in an adult?

Answer 1

Persistent blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or above (severe hypertension is seen when pressures are >180/120 mmHg)

Question 2

Which racial group(s) has(ve) the greatest risk of developing hypertension: blacks, whites, or Asians?

Answer 2

Blacks, then whites, then Asians

Question 3

Secondary hypertension is most commonly secondary to disease in which organ(s)?

Answer 3

The kidneys (e.g., fibromuscular dysplasia, usually in younger women), the adrenal glands (e.g., primary hyperaldosteronism)

Question 4

What are some risk factors for hypertension?

Answer 4

Increased age, obesity, diabetes, excess salt or alcohol intake, family history, physical inactivity

Question 5

A patient has a blood pressure of 150/105 mmHg. Regardless of age, sex, and history, what is the most likely cause of the hypertension?

Answer 5

Due to increased cardiac output or total peripheral resistance (this is essential [1°] hypertension, causing 90% of cases of hypertension)

Question 6

Name some cardiac conditions that individuals with hypertension are predisposed to.

Answer 6

Coronary artery disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, stroke, aortic dissection/aneurysm, atrial fibrillation

Question 7

Name some noncardiac conditions to which individuals with hypertension are predisposed.

Answer 7

Chronic kidney disease (hypertensive nephropathy), retinopathy

Question 8

What is the difference between hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency in the context of severe hypertension (≥ 180/120 mmHg)?

Answer 8

Hypertensive urgency = acute end-organ damage is absent, hypertensive emergency = acute end-organ damage is present

Question 9

Give some examples of acute end-organ damage seen in hypertensive emergencies.

Answer 9

Encephalopathy, stroke, HF, papilledema, retinal hemorrhages/exudates, aortic dissection, nephropathy, eclampsia, hemolytic anemia