7. Hypertension Flashcards
What is the WHO clasification of hypertension?
140/90mmHg.
Write an equation for BP.
BP = CO X TPR.
What is the definition of hypertension?
> 140/90mmHg based on 2+ readings on separate occasions
What is the clinical diagnosis of hypertension?
BP ≥ 140/90mmHg.
On average, by how much does having high blood pressure shorten life?
7 years. Although this depends on onset and severity.
Give 3 risk factors for hypertension
Age, FHx, male gender, African or Caribbean origin, high salt intake, sedentary lifestyle, overweight/obese, smoking, excess alcohol intake.
Give 5 causes of hypertension.
- Kidney disease.
- Genetics and family history.
- Lifestyle factors e.g. high salt diet, excess alcohol, obesity, stress, caffeine.
- Recreational drug use e.g. cocaine.
- Drugs such as OCP and NSAIDS.
- Hyperaldosteronism.
List 3 causes of secondary hypertension
Renal disease - diabetic nephropathy, chronic glomerulonephritis, PKD, chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis.
Endocrine disease - Conn’s, phaeochromocytoma, Cushing’s, acromegaly.
Coarctation of the aorta (a birth defect in which a part of the aorta is narrower than usual).
Pregnancy.
Steroids.
The Pill.
Name 3 endocrine diseases that can cause secondary hypertension.
- Conn’s syndrome - hyperaldosteronism.
- Cushing’s syndrome - prolonged cortisol exposure -> raised BP.
- Phaeochromocytoma - adrenal gland tumour, excess NAd and Ad release -> high BP.
Name 5 conditions that hypertension is a major risk factor of.
- MI (IHD).
- Stroke.
- Heart failure.
- Chronic renal disease.
- Dementia.
What investigations might you do in someone with hypertension?
- Take blood pressure again on at least 1 other occasion.
- 24h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) to confirm a diagnosis.
= exclude white coat effect - ECG and blood tests may be done to identify secondary causes of hypertension.
Why might you examine the eyes of someone with hypertension?
Very high BP can cause immediate damage to small vessels, this can be seen in the eyes where there are small exposed blood vessle.s
What are the criteria for treating hypertension?
ALL with sustained >160/100mmHg.
Those with sustained >140/90 that are at high risk of coronary events, have diabetes or end-organ damage
What is the threshold BP for giving treatment to the following:
a) high risk individuals.
b) low risk individuals.
a) High risk - 140/90mmHg.
b) Low risk - 160/100mmHg.
What are the NICE treatment targets for the following:
a) People aged <80?
b) People aged >80?
a) Below 140/90mmHg in those aged less than 80.
b) Below 150/90mmHg in those aged above 80.
If you gave someone 1 blood pressure tablet, by how much would you expect their blood pressure to decrease?
1 tablet = 10mmHg reduction in BP.
Name 2 systems that are targeted pharmacologically in the treatment of hypertension.
- RAAS.
- Sympathetic nervous system (NAd)
Outline RAAS.
Angiotensinogen
↓ Enzyme: Renin
Angiotensin I
↓ Enzyme: ACE
Angiotensin II
Give 4 functions of angiotensin II.
- Potent vasoconstrictor.
- Activates sympathetic nervous system; increased NAd.
- Activates aldosterone = Na+ retention.
- Vascular growth, hyperplasia and hypertrophy.
Give 3 ways in which the sympathetic nervous system (NAd) lead to increased BP.
- Noradrenaline is a vasoconstrictor = increased TPR.
- NAd has positive chronotropic and inotropic effects.
- It can cause increased renin release.
The 2 main types of treatment for hypertension?
- Lifestyle modification (non-pharmacological): reduce salt intake, lose weight, reduce alcohol.
- Drug therapy (pharmacological): ABCD.
Give 3 examples of non-pharmacological measures you would encourage a patient with hypertension to take.
Weight reduction.
Mediterranean diet - oily fish, low saturated fat, low salt.
Limit alcohol consumption.
Exercise.
Smoking cessation.
Increase fruit and vegetable intake.
Pharmacological interventions for hypertension
A - ACEi e.g. rampiril or ARB e.g. candesartan.
B - Beta blockers e.g. bisoprolol.
C - Ca2+ channel blocker e.g. amlodipine, diltiazem or verapamil.
D - Diuretics e.g. bendroflumethiazide or furosemide.
Will anti-hypertensives make someone feel better?
Anti-hypertensives won’t necessarily make someone feel better as there are few symptoms associated with high BP although headache symptoms may improve.
Name 3 ACE inhibitors.
- Ramapril.
- Enalapril.
- Perindopril.
In what diseases are ACE inhibitors clinically indicated?
- Hypertension.
- Heart failure.
- Diabetic nephropathy.
Give 4 potential side effects of ACE inhibitors.
- Hypotension.
- Hyperkalaemia.
- Acute renal failure.
- Teratogenic.
Why do ACE inhibitors lead to increased kinin production?
ACE -> non-specific enzyme
Also converts bradykinin to inactive peptides
Therefore: ACE inhibitors lead to a build up of kinin
ACE inhibitors: give 3 potential side effects that are due to increased kinin production.
- Dry chronic cough.
- Rash.
- Anaphylactoid reaction.