Blood pressure as a drug target

Question 1

What is blood pressure?

Answer 1

The blood forced out of the ventricles into the arteries

Question 2

What is systolic pressure?

Answer 2

A measure of the amount of force the heart exerts on the walls of the arteries in each heart beat.

Question 3

What is diastolic pressure?

Answer 3

It measures the force the heart walls exert on the walls of the arteries in each beet.

(BP of hear when relaxed)

Question 4

How is BP represented?

Answer 4

Systolic pressure / Diastolic pressure (mmHg)

Question 5

What is the normal range for blood pressure?

Answer 5

90/60 to 120/80 mmHg

Question 6

What are some of the long term complications of hypertension?

Answer 6

Heart disease
Renal disease
Hypertensive Retinopathy

Question 7

How is coronary heart disease a complication of hypertension?

Answer 7

The heart is under increased pressure which can lead to the formation of blood clots.

Question 8

On average how much is spent on hypertension and heart failure prescriptions per year?

Answer 8

£223 million

Question 9

What is the BP threshold for stage 1 hypertension diagnosis?

Answer 9

> 140/90 mmHg

Question 10

What is the BP threshold for stage 2 hypertension diagnosis?

Answer 10

> 160/100 mmHg

Question 11

What is the BP threshold for severe hypertension diagnosis?

Answer 11

> 180/110 mmHg

Question 12

What is retinopathy?

Answer 12

Disease of the retina, causes vision impairment

Question 13

List symptoms of low blood pressure?

Answer 13

Dizziness 
Nausea 
Fainting 
Lack of concentration 
Blurred vision

Question 14

What are the three main drug classes used to treat hypertension?

Answer 14

• Ace-inhibitors or (low cost angiotensin II receptor blocker)
• Calcium-channel blocker
• Thiazide-like diuretic

Question 15

What are the possible side effects related to the different drug classes used to treat hypertension?

Answer 15

ACEi - Dry cough
CCB - Ankle swelling and constipation
Diuretics - Gout, excessive urination
Beta-blockers - lethargy

Hypertension medication may cause low blood pressure (POSTURAL HYPOTENSION)

Question 16

What are some possible lifestyle changes that can reduce BP?

Answer 16

Weight Reduction (BMI- 18.5-25)
Dietary sodium reduction
Physical activity
Moderate alcohol intake

Question 17

How is blood pressure calculated? (equation)

Answer 17

BP = CO x TPR

Question 18

What is peripheral resistance?

Answer 18

The forces opposing blood flow. How tight are blood vessels

Question 19

What are the 3 factors that determine Total peripheral resistance?

Answer 19

Sympathetic nervous control = Vascoconstriction
Neurotransmitters and hormones
Exercise (Vasodilation)

Question 20

What is the result to the peripheral resistance when arteries contract?

Answer 20

Resistance increases

Question 21

How can hypertension lead to stroke?

Answer 21

Hypertension damages blood vessels causing it to become narrow and stiff.

Question 22

What are 3 possible hypertension resistance condierations?

Answer 22

True resistant hypertension

Incorrect medication dosing (possibly increase drug dose)

Pseudo resistant (white coat hypertension, Poor drug adherence)

Question 23

What are some possible causes for secondary hypertension?

Answer 23

Chronic kidney disease
Sleep apnoea
Drugs (NSAIDs, Corticosteroids)
Pregnancy induced hypertension