Cardiovascular conditions Flashcards
What is the definition of hypertension?
Raised arterial blood pressure
what is the diagnosis of Hypertension?
Over 140/90 in clinic
stage 2 : 160/100mmhg
stage 3: 180/110mmhg
Epidemiology of Essential Hypertension?
common in men
common in black African (40-50%)
Primary aetiology of essential hypertension?
80-90% are idiopathic
Primary causes: FH , low birth weight (undernutrition = blood vessel changes)
Environmental(obesity , alcohol intake and stress)
Insulin resistance
Secondary aetiology of essential hypertension?
Cardiovascular: Aortic dissection , atherosclerosis
CKD: Haematunia Renal Disease(80%): polycystic kidneys , renovascular disease
Endocrine: Conn’s disease , Adrenal hyperplasia , Cushing syndrome
Drugs: NSAID , oral contraceptive , steroids ,carbenoxolone
Pre-eclampsia
Pathophysiology of essential hypertension?
increase in cardiac output with increased pulse rate and circulating catecholamines
Resistance vessels , structural changes in HPT , leads to increase wall thickness and reduction in vessel lumen diameter.
Increase in peripheral resistance that maintain BP.
Pulse wave travels to arterial wall (each systolic contraction)
what are the renal changes that occur in pathophysiology in hypertension ?
Reduced renal perfusion reduces GFR = reduction in sodium and water excretion. Leading to continuous production of RAAS system
What are the risk factors of hypertension ?
Age
Gender - males
Ethnicity - black African and African Caribbean
Genetics
Social deprivation - more likely to have HBP
Excessive alcohol intake
Stress and anxiety
Thyroid , Kidney and Sleep apnoea
Signs and Symptoms of essential hypertension ?
Fatigue visional problems chest pain Difficulty breathing(LV hypertrophy, cardiac failure , angina) Irregular heartbeat Haematuria Palpation of ears , chest and neck Weakness
Differentials for HBP?
Malignant hypertension
(systolic >200 and Diastolic >130)
Isolated systolic hypertension in those over 60 years >160mmg /90mmg
Postural Hypertension
Conservative treatment for essential hypertension ?
Have a target BP <140/85 For diabetic patients <130/80 - use AMBPM
Lifestyle changes: Reduced alcohol and sodium intake
Increase exercise and aim to reduce weight
Pharmacological Approach of Hypertension?
1st line drug <55 years old and not black (ACE: end in April OR ARBS)
55years > & black - CCB : Amlodipine
If not tolerated , give thiazide like diuretics
BB not preferred choice of treatment - used in younger patients
2nd line - methyldopa
Add a third drug if needs = do not double it
what are the investigations for hypertension ?
Basic U&E , Creatinine , cholesterol , blood glucose , urine (for protein and blood )
Renal USS , Renal angiography
For secondary causes:
24 Hours - urinary metanephrines , urinary free cortisol
BP readings - 3 x both arms
Complications of hypertension ?
Heart attack
Aneurysm
Heart failure
torn blood vessels in the eyes
What is orthostatic/Postural Hypertension ?
Abnormal drop in BP lower than 90/60mmhg
Epidemiology of postural hypertension?
common with increasing age , >50 years
Associated with fainting
Aetiology of postural/ orthostatic hypotension?
Parkinson's disease Anaemia Blood loss Dehydration Medication such as: Sildenafil and BB , antidepressants
what are the conditions associated with postural hypotension?
MI , Diabetes , Alcohol neuropathy
Phaechromocytoma
Parkinson’s disease
Pathophysiology of postural hypertension?
Baroreceptors in the aortic arch and carotid sinus activate autonomic reflexes to rapidly return BP to normal.
The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate and contractility and increases vasomotor tone of the capitance vessels.
pooling of the blood in lower limbs
Risk factors of orthostatic hypotension ?
Chronic alcohol and drug use
pregnancy(as pregnancy progresses , the volume of the circulatory system expands , BP reduces)
old age
Diabetes
smoking
Anaemia
Symptoms and signs of orthostatic hypotension?
Excessive sweating
Dizziness
light-headedness
Blurred vision fatigue weakness palpitations headache SOB confusion Raised JVP Edema Vomitting
Differentials of orthostatic hypotension:
HF
MI
AF
Conservative treatment of orthostatic hypotension?
changes in food , reduce alcohol and drug intake
Avoid triggers e.g. high temperature
head up 20-30cm
Adequate fluid intake
Regular BP Monitoring
Pharmacological treatment of postural hypotension?
1st choice - Fludrocorisone (low dose)
Alpha - receptors: Midodrine is recommended for monotherapy or in combined with Fludrocortisone
Somatostatin analogue octreotide