Cardio T1-11 Flashcards
- How does the American Heart Association define hypertension?
Hypertension is defined as persistent blood pressure of ≥130/80 mmHg. If only one is high, it is considered isolated systolic or diastolic hypertension.
How does the JNC 81 define hypertension?
The JNC 81 defines hypertension as persistent blood pressure of ≥140/90 mmHg.
What is the most common risk factor for hypertension?
The most common risk factor for hypertension is cardiovascular disease.
How is hypertension classified?
Hypertension is divided into primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension based on the underlying cause.
What percentage of adult hypertension cases are due to primary hypertension?
About 95% of hypertension cases in adults are due to primary hypertension.
What percentage of children’s hypertension cases are due to primary hypertension?
About 20% of hypertension cases in children are due to primary hypertension.
What are some non-modifiable risk factors for primary hypertension?
Non-modifiable risk factors include a positive family history, ethnicity, and advanced age.
What are some modifiable risk factors for primary hypertension?
Modifiable risk factors include obesity, diabetes, smoking, a diet high in sodium or low in potassium, physical inactivity, and psychological stress.
What is considered optimal (normal) blood pressure?
Optimal blood pressure lies between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.
What is considered hypotension and hypertension based on blood pressure?
Blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg is considered hypotension, and above 120/80 mmHg is considered hypertension.
How are the grades (or stages) of hypertension defined?
The stages of hypertension are determined based on blood pressure levels, but specific stages were not detailed in this text.
What are the clinical features of primary hypertension?
Primary hypertension is usually asymptomatic until end-organ damage or a hypertensive crisis occurs.
What symptoms may accompany secondary hypertension?
Symptoms of secondary hypertension align with the underlying cause.
What are some nonspecific symptoms that may be associated with hypertension?
Nonspecific symptoms can include headaches (especially in the morning), dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision, nervousness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and chest discomfort.
How is primary hypertension diagnosed?
Primary hypertension is diagnosed over three separate office visits, with at least three blood pressure measurements taken per visit.
Describe the process of measuring blood pressure manually using the auscultatory method.
The patient rests in a seated position for at least 5 minutes. A blood pressure cuff is applied to the arm above the brachial artery, the cuff is inflated 30 mmHg above expected systolic pressure, and the stethoscope is placed over the brachial artery.
The cuff is deflated, and systolic pressure is noted when the pulse is first heard, and diastolic pressure is noted when the pulse disappears.
What factors should be avoided before taking a blood pressure measurement?
Caffeine intake, drug use, and smoking should be avoided before a blood pressure measurement.
What is White Coat Syndrome and masked hypertension?
White Coat Syndrome refers to higher blood pressure readings in a clinical setting due to anxiety, while masked hypertension is when blood pressure is normal in the clinic but elevated in everyday life.
What is Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (HBPM) and how can it benefit patients?
HBPM allows patients to take their own BP readings at home, helping avoid White Coat Syndrome. Studies show home readings can be about 30 mmHg lower than office readings. It is also more cost-effective than ambulatory BP monitoring.
What is Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) and how does it work?
ABPM involves wearing a device that measures blood pressure every 30 minutes during the day and hourly at night for 24 hours, providing a comprehensive picture of the patient’s overall blood pressure.
What is a hypertensive crisis, and how is it defined?
A hypertensive crisis is an acute increase in blood pressure (>180/120 mmHg) that can cause or worsen end-organ damage. It is further subdivided into hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency.
What is aortic stenosis (AS)?
Aortic stenosis is a valvular heart disease characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve, reducing the normal orifice size from about 4 cm² to less than 1 cm² in severe cases, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta.