2: Pathology of hypertension Flashcards
Hypertension and ___ are two closely related diseases.
atherosclerosis
What is the clinical definition of hypertension?
Disorder in which sustained arterial pressure is higher than expected for the age, sex and race of the individual
The biggest consequence of prolonged hypertension is ___ ___.
cardiac failure
If you work a pump too hard, it will fail
How is hypertension classified?
- Cause (primary - ideopathic, unknown. secondary - known underlying cause)
- Benign - slightly elevated
- Malignant - greatly elevated
What are some subtances which act as vasoconstrictors?
Angiotensin II
Catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline)
What are some substances which act as vasodilators?
Nitric oxides, prostaglandins
Through the RAAS system, which organs are critical in controlling blood pressure?
Kidneys
90% of hypertension cases are primary / secondary.
primary (no obvious cause)
In salt sensitive hypertension, an increase in dietary salt leads to…
an increase in blood pressure.
What is secondary hypertension?
Hypertension where an underlying cause is suspected
What are some underlying causes of secondary hypertension?
Renal disease
Endocrine disease (hormones released from adrenal medulla affect BP)
Aortic disease (stenosis, regurgitation)
Renal artery stenosis
Drug therapy (steroids***)
Why do renal diseases increase BP?
1. Reduced renal blood flow
2. Excess renin release
3. Salt and water overload
Adrenal gland hyperfunction or tumours, i.e renal disease, can cause hypertension. Give an example of a disorder which does that.
Conn’s syndrome - excess aldosterone
Cushing’s syndrome - excess corticosteroid
Phaeochromocytoma - excess noradrenaline
What type of hypertrophy does hypertension cause?
Left ventricular hypertrophy
Which lung problem does left ventricular failure cause and why?
Pulmonary oedema / cor pulmonale
Blood feeds back into pulmonary veins from left atrium as left ventricle won’t pump, alveoli fill
