11 Hypertension Flashcards
Define hypertension
High blood pressure
Define cardiovascular disease (CVD)
Includes all the disease of heart and blood vessels
Define cardiovascular risk
The likelihood of developing angina,myocardial infarction or stroke
What is blood pressure?
The force of the blood pushing against the walls of the arteries
What is systolic pressure?
The pressure of blood in the vessels when the heart beats
What is diastolic pressure?
The pressure between beats when the heart relaxes
What is the unit blood pressure is measured in?
Millimeters of mercury/mmHg
What is considered to be high blood pressure?
140/90mmHg or higher
What blood pressure is considered to be prehypertension?
Between 120-139mmHg and/or 80/89 mmHg
What is considered normal blood pressure?
Less than 120/80 mmHg
What is the most common intervention in primary care?
Management
What some risk factors of hypertension?
- age
- co-morbidities
- ethnicity
- family history
- gender (M>F)
- hypertension in pregnancy
- poor diet (too much salt)
- smokers
- e.c.t.
What are the consequences of high blood pressure?
- stroke
- heart failure
- erectile dysfunction
- vision loss
- heart attack
- kidney disease/failure
What is Left ventricular hypertrophy?
It is the thickening of the heart’s main pumping chamber and is a consequence of hypertension.
What is a result of left ventricular hypertrophy?
The thickening of the wall may result in elevation of pressure within the heart and sometimes poor pumping action
How do we estimate CVD risk?
QRISK3-risk calculator
What is the QRISK3-risk calculator?
It calculates risk of having a ‘heart attack or stroke’ over the next ten years and is based on data from UK GPs
What patients would use QRISK3-risk calculator?
This is for primary prevention patients
What can consistently high blood pressure lead to?
Damage in the arteries and organs and is a leading cause of stroke, heart disease and kidney disease
Why is lowering blood pressure significant?
By lowering blood pressure by even 5 mmHg can significantly lower the chance of developing serious health problems
In 2017, what was the estimation of people in the UK have high blood pressure?
1 in 4 people, however, many people are undiagnosed
What is the NHSE Ambition target for people being treated with hypertension?
80% of people to be treated to target by March 25
What is the cause of PRIMARY hypertension?
In most cases (90-95%) there is no identifiable cause
What are the causes of SECONDARY hypertension?
- diseases (e.g. chronic kidney disease, Crushing syndrome, Parathyroid disease)
- drugs (e.g. corticosteroids, decongestants, NSAIDs)
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
- dizziness
- headache
- vomiting, nausea
- blurred vision
- shortness of breath
But most people are ASYMPTOMATIC
What ways can hypertension cases be found?
- opportunistic (patients present in health care settings)
- proactive methods
- ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
What are the proactive methods of finding hypertension cases?
- NHS health checks
- Community Pharmacy case finding services
What is the NHS health checks for?
It is for adults in England aged 40-74
Designed to spot early signs of stroke, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes or dementia
What is the purpose of community pharmacy case finding service?
To identify people over 40y years old with high blood pressure, who have previously NOT had a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension
Describe ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABMP)
- takes blood pressure every 30 minutes (day and night)
- need at least 14 daytime readings for diagnosis
- mean daytime BP
Describe home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM)
- alternative to ABPM and is increasing in use
- Patient does BP monitoring for at least 4 days and ideally seven days
- 2 readings each morning and 2 readings each evening at least 1 minute apart
- Discard day one readings and then average BP from all other days
What are some tips for taking blood pressure?
- patient should be relaxed
- take the pulse for 1 minute
- the arm should be supported at heart level
- no talking with the back supported and feel flat on the floor
- take 2 or 3 readings
Give examples of lifestyle advice for all
- DASH eating plan
- exercise
- reduced dietary sodium intake
- moderation of alcohol intake as needed
- weight loss if warrented
What can be tested to flag target organ damage?
- urine
- blood tests
- eyes
- ECG
What would you look at in URINE to spot target organ damage?
- albumin - creatinine ration (ACR)
- haematuria
What would you look at in blood tests to spot target organ damage?
- electrolytes, creatinine, eGFR
- lipid profile
- liver function and thyroid function
- HbA1c
What would you be looking at in the eyes to spot target organ damage?
Examination of fundi for hypertensive retinopathy
What would you be looking at with an ECG to spot target organ damage?
- 12 lead ECG: looking for hypertrophy
- signs of ischaemic changes (arrhythmias)
How would you estimate cardiovascular risk in people aged 25-84 without CVD, CKD or familial hypercholesterolaemia?
QRisk3 tool valid for UK population
What is the treatment plan for a patient with a blood pressure reading of under 135/85 mmHg?
You would check at least every 5 years and more often if clinic BP is close to 140/90 mmHg
If there’s evidence of target organ damage, consider alternative causes
What is the risk of using beta-blockers and thiazides together?
Increase risk of diabetes
Wha can newer drugs used to treat hypertension offer?
Offer slightly better stroke risk reduction in high risk patients
What is the first line of treatments for hypertension?
ACD:
- ACE inhibitors or ARB
- Calcium channel blocks
- Thiazide-like diuretics
What is white coat?
Blood pressure higher in clinical settings
What is masked hypertension?
Blood pressure is higher at home
Give examples of ACE inhibitors
Perindopril & Ramipril
In hypertension, when is ACE inhibitors given?
First line in younger (<55 years) Caucasian people and people who are diabetic
Apart from hypertension, when is ACE inhibitors used?
Primary and secondary prevention of CVD, heart failure and diabetic neuropathy
What are some side effects of ACE inhibitors?
- dry cough
- renal impairment
- angio-oedema
- HYPERkalaemia
- HYPOnatraemia
What must be monitored when taking ACE inhibitors?
Baseline renal function and electrolytes (Na and K) and they should be rechecked 1-2 weeks after starting and after any dose increase
What should you avoid taking with ACE inhibitors?
Avoid K+ sparing diuretics and NSAIDs
What cautions must you take with ACE inhibitors?
- care with diuretic therapy
- caution aortic stenosis (postural hypotension)
- do not use in pregnancy
- contraindications include bilateral renal artery stenosis
ACE inhibitors are the leading cause of what?
Drug induced angio-oedema (incidence 0.1-0.7% of patients)
What do you usually see (signs) with angio-oedema?
- swelling of the lips, tongue, face and upper airway without itching or urticaria
What is urticaria?
Hives - itching welts
When does angio-oedema present after starting prescription?
Half of cases occur in the 1st week of starting but can occur at anytime (hours-years)
When does the swelling in angio-oedema develop?
Over mins-hours to a peak with each episode lasting 2-5 days
Why does ACE inhibitors cause angio-edema?
CLASS EFFECT
ACE inhibitors cause angioedema by blocking the breakdown of bradykinin, leading to its accumulation. Elevated bradykinin levels increase vascular permeability, causing fluid to leak into tissues and result in swelling.
What does bradykinin do?
It’s a potent endothelium-dependent vasodilator and mild diuretic which may cause the lowering of blood pressure
What is the incidence of cross reaction between ACEi and ARBs?
Low incidence
Give examples of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Irbesartan & Losartan
What are ARBs an alternative to?
Alternative to ACE inhibitors
- DO NOT use in combination
Who are usually prescribed ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers)?
For black patients of African or Caribbean origin (in preference to ACEi) WITH DIABETES
What are the side effects of ARBs?
- cough
- lower risk of angio-edema than ACEi
- renal impairment
- HYPERkalemia
- headache
Who is offered calcium channel blocker for hypertension?
First line treatment for non-diabeteic patients aged >55 or black African or Afro-Caribbean
What are the two distinct classes of calcium channel blockers?
Dihydropyridine & non-dihydropyridine
Give examples of dihydropyridine CCBs?
- amlodipine
- lacidipine
- lercanidipine
- nifedipine
What does Dihydropyridine do?
It causes vasodilatation of coronary and peripheral arteries and relaxes smooth muscles
Apart from hypertension, what else can dihydropyridine be used for?
Treatment of stable angina
What are some of the effects of dihydropyridine CCBs?
- flushing and headaches
- ankle swelling
Where are CCBs metabolized?
By the liver
What blood tests are needed for dihydropyridine?
No specific tests are needed
Give examples of non-dihydropyridines?
- phenylalkalamines (verapamil)
- benzothiazepines (diltiazem)
How does non-dihydropyridines work to lower hypertension?
- interferes with myocardial conduction
- slows the heart rate
What should you not combine verapamil with and why?
Because it is a non-dihydropyridine, it should not be combined with beta-blockers as it slows the heart
What condition should you not use non-dihydropyridine in?
Heart failure as it may cause contractility to be reduced
What is a common side effect of non-dihydropyridine?
Constipation
What else can non-dihydropyridine be used for?
Treat stable angina and for arrhythmias (rate control)
What steps in hypertension treatment is thiazide like diuretics offered?
Step 2 or 3
What thiazide-like diuretics would be prescribed?
Indapamide 2.5 od (or chlorthalidone)
When would thiazide like diuretics not be effective?
Poor renal function (eGFR <30 ml/min)
What do you need to be careful of when taking thiazide like diuretics?
- electrolyte disturbances (Na, K, Ca)
- renal impairment
THEREFORE baseline U&E tests must be don’t and repeat within 1 month
What are some side effects of thiazide like diuretics?
- may cause skin rashes
- may unmask/exacerbate gout
- increases risk of diabetes (esp. w/ beta-blockers)
- loss of efficacy in CKS (eGFR <30 ml/min)
- increase in urate, glucose and blood lipids
- HYPOkalaemia
What is a 4th line drug of choice to treat hypertension?
Spironolactone - aldosterone antagonist
What is the risk of taking spironalactone?
Risk of HYPERkalaemia and renal impairment
What effect does NSAIDs have on blood pressure?
Increases it
What is the dosing advice for spironolactone?
Low doses only - max dose 50 mg/day
What tests should be done when taking spironolactone?
Baseline U&E and repeat in 2-4 weeks
Apart form hypertension, what else an spironolactone be used for?
Also used in heart failure (max 50 mg/day) and ascites (higher doses may be Rx)
Give examples of loop diuretics
Furosemide & bumetanide
Compare the potency of loop diuretics to thiazides
Loop diuretics are more potent than thiazides
Apart from hypertension, when else can loop diuretics be used?
Used in pulmonary oedema or heart failure
What is the mode of action of loop diuretics?
Loop diuretics inhibit the Na⁺-K⁺-2Cl⁻ cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, reducing sodium, chloride, and water reabsorption. This leads to increased urine output and decreased fluid volume, helping to lower blood pressure and reduce edema.
What are some unwanted effects of loop diuretics?
- renal impairment
- electrolyte disturbances (Na+, K+, Ca++, Mg++)
- may exacerbate diabetes
- may lead to gout
What must be monitored when taking loop diuretics?
Monitor U&E baseline and within 1 month after starting
What do alpha blockers do?
Vasodilatation of vascular smooth muscle
Why must there be care with dosing of alpha blockers?
It can cause postural hypotension
What is the usual choice of alpha blockers?
Doxazosin
Apart from hypertension, what else can alpha blockers be used for?
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) - there are alpha receptors in the prostate and urethra
Give examples of beta blockers
Atenolol, bisoprolol and metoprolol
Are any beta-blockers cardio-specific?
No but they may be CARDIO-SELECTIVE
How effective are beta-blockers?
Not as effective at reducing stroke, MI and mortality (HTN patients) compared to other drugs
What cautions do you need to keep in mind regarding beta-blockers?
Caution in lung disease and diabetes
Contraindications with severe asthma
What are some of the side effects of beta-blockers?
- bronchospasm + potential bronchoconstriction
- vasoconstriction via blockage of B2-R
- increase blood lipids
- nightmares (lipid soluble)
- fatigue
- cold extremities
- impotence
Why does beta blockers have contraindications with severe asthma?
Beta blockers are contraindicated in severe asthma because they block beta-2 adrenergic receptors in the lungs, which are responsible for bronchodilation. By inhibiting these receptors, beta blockers can cause bronchoconstriction, worsening asthma symptoms and potentially leading to severe respiratory distress.
What other methods would specialists use/special situations to treat hypertension?
- vasodilators
- centrally acting vasodilators
What do centrally acting vasodilators do?
They work directly on the part of the brain that controls blood pressure and are also known as CENTRAL ALPHA ANTAGONISTS
Give examples of vasodilators and centrally acting vasodilators
Vasodilators: hydralazine & minoxidil
Centrally acting vasodilators: moxonidine & clonidine
What should you consider with hypertension in pregnancy?
Need to use medicines with safety
Give examples of medication you can prescribe in pregnancy with hypertension
- labetalol
- methyldopa
- nifedipine
What hypertensive medication should be avoided in pregnancy?
Avoid ACEi/ARB in pregnancy
Are NICE targets or order of medicines always appropriate?
No - adapt your management plan to the patient
For what types of patients may you have to adapt their management plan for hypertension?
- elderly (limited evidence age >80)
- frailty
- postural hypotension
- renal disease
- other cardiac conditions
- one medicine for two indications
What would you potential have to adapt in management plan of hypertension for patients who are frail?
May need to relax targets
What does postural hypotension increase the risk of?
- risk of falls
- dementia
- stroke
- all-cause mortality
- significant impact on activities of daily living
What is postural hypotension?
When you measure blood pressure lying/sitting vs standing, there is a sustained drop (SBP >20 mmHg and/or DBP >10 mmHg) within 3 minutes
What part of the management plan for hypertension would be changed for a patient with renal disease?
- blood pressure targets may be lower
- choice of medication for CKD rather than following ‘NICE’ order
What would you need to consider in the management plan of hypertension for people with cardiac conditions?
If medicines have prognostic benefit e.g. heart failure, secondary prevention of CVD
Give an example of when one medicine having two indications need to be considered
Beta-blockers in the rate control in atrial fibrillation with lower the blood pressure
What is the formula for blood pressure?
BP = CO x TPR
What is the formula for cardiac output?
Cardiac output = stroke volume x heart rate
What is stroke volume regulated by?
The ventricles
What regulates heart rate?
The SA node
What is Starling’s Law?
The stroke volume of the left ventricle will increase as the left ventricular volume increases due to the myocyte stretch. This links with the force of contraction.
Describe the RAAS system
Low BP Trigger: Kidneys release renin.
Renin Action: Converts angiotensinogen (from liver) to angiotensin I.
ACE Enzyme: Converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II (in lungs).
• Aldosterone: Increases sodium/water retention in kidneys (raises blood volume/BP).
• ADH Release: Promotes more water reabsorption in kidneys.
• RAAS Blockers: ACE inhibitors/ARBs reduce BP.
Describe the RAAS system
Low BP Trigger: Kidneys release renin.
Renin Action: Converts angiotensinogen (from liver) to angiotensin I.
ACE Enzyme: Converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II (in lungs).
Aldosterone: Increases sodium/water retention in kidneys (raises blood volume/BP).
ADH Release: Promotes more water reabsorption in kidneys.
RAAS Blockers: ACE inhibitors/ARBs reduce BP.
What is the effect of angiotensin II?
Angiotensin II Effects: Vasoconstriction (raises BP) & Stimulates aldosterone release (from adrenal glands).
How is the total peripheral resistance regulated?
Increases in Ang II —> increase in IP3 —> increases intracellular [Ca2+]
This causes constriction of arterioles and and increase in total peripheral resistance
How is preload regulated?
Constriction of venues via AT1-R
RAAS also facilitates Na+ and H2O retention
What is the role of aldosterone?
- activates cytoplasmic receptors
- these receptors bind to the nucleus
- increase expression of Na+ channels
- H2O and Na+ retention is aided by
What is the treatment of hypertension dependent on?
- age
- ethnicity
- co -existing diseases
What are the main classes of anti-hypertensives?
- ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin receptor blockers, renin antagonists
- calcium channel blockers
- diuretics (no longer frontline)
- beta blockers (no longer frontline)
- vasodialators
What would be the first line choice of antihypertensive for a patient with type 2 diabetes?
ACEi or ARBs
What would be the first line choice of antihypertensives for a patient under 55 and not of black family origin?
ACEi or ARBs
What would be the first line choice of antihypertensives for a patient age 55 and over?
Calcium channel blockers
What would be the first line choice for a patient who is black-African or Afro-Caribbean?
Calcium channel blockers
What happens when a patient takes their first dose of ACEi?
Hypotension
Who would ACEi not be as effective for?
Black African/Caribbean patients
What are ACEi contraindicated in?
Bilateral renal artery stenosis
Why are ACEi frontline treatments for diabetic patients?
No adverse effects on serum glucose/lipids
What do angiotensin receptor blockers do?
Block the actions of Ang II on AT1-R
(-ARTAN)
Give an example of an aldosterone antagonist
Spironolactone - used to treat hypertensive patients with primary aldosteronism
What is the mechanism of spironolactone?
- inhibits the ability of aldosterone to produce new Na+ channels
- loss of Na+ and H2O
- decreased preload and reduced blood pressure
What do the main classes of dihydropyridine target? (-DIPINE)
Targets L-type Ca2+ channels on smooth muscle of blood vessels
What do non-dihydropyridine such as phenylalkylamines and benzothiazepines target?
Target L-type channels in the heart and decrease the frequency and force of contraction
- less used to treat hypertension
What are some side effects of CCBs?
- flushing and headaches
- peripheral oedema
What is the interaction between grapefruit juice and CCBs?
Grapefruit juice enhances action (CYP3A4)
-furanicomarins
Combinations of what is not recommended in regards to CCBs?
Combinations of Ca2+ channel antagonists are not recommended
What is peripheral oedema?
Impairment of the function of the pre-capillary sphincter increases hydrostatic pressure across the capillary and reduces fluid reabsorption
When would furosemide be used?
ONLY in resistant hypertension
What is the mode of action of thiazide-like diuretics?
• Inhibit the sodium-chloride symporter (NCC) in the distal convoluted tubule
• Decrease reabsorption of sodium and chloride
• Increase excretion of sodium, chloride, and water
• Reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure
• Mild vasodilatory effect contributes to antihypertensive properties
What is the mode of action of beta-blockers?
• Block beta-adrenergic receptors (mainly β1 and β2)
• Reduce the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline
• Decrease heart rate (negative chronotropic effect)
• Reduce the force of heart contractions (negative inotropic effect)
• Lower blood pressure by reducing cardiac output and renin release from kidneys
Describe the link between beta-blockers and hypoglycemia
- blood glucose is low it activates the release of adrenaline, mobilizes glucose release from the liver
- beta blockers block this process
What are some symptoms of hypoglycemia?
- tremor
- palpitations
- sweats
- feeling tired or weak
“Combining X with beta blockers should be used with caution for diabetic patients.”
What is X?
Thiazides
Give an example of a non selective (B1 & B2) beta blocker
PropranOLOL - you wouldn’t give this to a patient with serious asthma as it is associated with asthma attacks
Give an example of a selective B1 antagonist
AtenOLOL
What are A1 antagonists?
Vasodilators
What are vasodilators?
- Used to treat hypertension in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy
- Other vasodilators open K+ channels
Give an example of a vasodilator used to treat hypertension in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy
doxAZOSIN