1.6 Hypertension Flashcards
What is sytolic blood pressure?
The peak arterial pressure that occurs during ventricular contraction in the cardiac cycle
What is diastolic blood pressure?
The lowest arterial pressure during peak ventricular relaxation during the cardiac cycle.
Primary vs Secondary Hypertension…
Primary: No particular cause
Secondary: Particular cause
List some pathophysiological causes of secondary hypertension
- Metabolic syndrome (resistance to insulin)
- Renal disease
- Adrenal imbalance (Cushing’s, hyperaldosteronism etc.)
- Medications/non-prescribed drugs
Is primary or secondary hypertension more common?
Primary (90-95%)
List five complications of hypertension
- Stroke
- Retinopathy
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Renal failure
- Left ventricular hypertrophy
What is the quantitative definition of hypertension?
SBP >= 140mmHg
DP >= 90mmHg
Receiving Medications for HBP
Is hypertension well managed at the level of public health?
No. Not well diagnosed, treated, and controlled. Highly preventable burden.
Is the prevalence of hypertension higher in older or younger people? Why?
- Older
- Cardiac tissues become stiffer and less compliant
Describe the clinical features of hypertension that doesn’t involve end organ damage
- Largely asymptomatic
- Very high BP (headaches, chest pain, dyspnoeae etc.)
Describe the end-organ damage conditions that can arise from hypertension
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Renal impairment
- Retinopathy
What is the goal of treating hypertension?
Reduce risk of complications, not lower BP; hypertension is only dangerous because it implies an increased probability of complications.
List some lifestyle factors that can decrease risk of hypertension
- Decrease salt
- Healthy diet
- Decrease alcohol consumption
- Weight reduction
- Smoking cessation
- Regular physical exercise
- Minimise stress