Antihypertensive pharmacology Flashcards
List the features of grade 1 hypertensive retinopathy
Increased tortuosity and reflectiveness of retinal arteries (copper/silver wiring)
List the features of grade 2 hypertensive retinopathy
Increased tortuosity and reflectiveness of retinal arteries (copper/silver wiring)
PLUS
AV nicking
List the features of grade 3 hypertensive retinopathy
Increased tortuosity and reflectiveness of retinal arteries (copper/silver wiring)
PLUS
AV nicking
PLUS
hemorrhages and soft (cotton wool) exudates
List the features of grade 4 hypertensive retinopathy
Increased tortuosity and reflectiveness of retinal arteries (copper/silver wiring)
PLUS
AV nicking
PLUS
hemorrhages and soft (cotton will) exudates
PLUS
papilloedema
Name the blood tests and investigations that should be performed for hypertensive patients
FBC, U&E’s, TFT’s, fasting lipids, glucose
ECG
CXR
24 hour BP monitor
Echo
NICE guidelines treatment target BP for people < 80 years old (non-diabetic)
<140/90 mmHG
NICE guidelines treatment target BP for people > 80 years old (non-diabetic)
<150/90 mmHg
NICE guidelines treatment target BP for diabetics
<135/85 mmHg
Name some of the conservative/lifestyle factors for managing HTN
- Follow a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce dietary salt intake
- Reduce caffeine consumption
- Stop smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption
Step 1 antihypertensive treatment in someone (non-Afro-Carribbean) < 55 years old and/or diabetic?
A =
Ace Inhibitors (Ramipril, Lisinopril, Enalapril)
ARBs (Candesartan, Losartan)
Step 1 antihypertensive treatment in a person > 55 years old or of Afro-Caribbean family origin?
C =
CCB (Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil)
Step 2 antihypertensive treatment in a person < 55 years old
Ace inhibitor or ARB + CCB or thiazide diuretic
NICE guidance treatment targets
Diabetes: <135/85 mmHg
Age < 80 years: <140/90 mmHg
Age > 80 years: <150/90 mmHg
NICE guidance treatment targets
Step 3 antihypertensive treatment for everyone
Ace inhibitor or ARB +
CCB +
Thiazide-like diuretic
Drug class of Amlodipine?
Dihydropyridine (calcium channel blocker). This type of CCB is relatively selective for vasculature.
Indications: First or second line treatment of HTN in patients 55 years or older or Afro-Carribean. Reduces risk of stroke, MI, and death from CVD.
Amlodipine
Mechanism of action: Blocks the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel, decreasing intracellular calcium levels. This causes relaxation and vasodilation in arterial smooth muscle. Decreases force of contraction in cardiac muscle
Calcium channel blockers
Which of the CCB’s is most negatively inotropic, acting to reduce cardiac contractility and reduce the heart rate (most “cardioselective” of the CCB’s)
Verapamil