Cardiovascular Health - Hypertension Flashcards
Q: What is hypertension and how is it defined?
Hypertension (HTN) is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD). It reflects the force of blood against arterial walls, determined by cardiac output (CO) and peripheral resistance (PR). In the UK, HTN is defined as a BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg. It can be asymptomatic, but signs include fatigue, headache, dizziness, and visual disturbances.
Q: What is the difference between essential and secondary hypertension?
Essential (Primary) HTN (95%) has no specific medical cause, but is driven by factors like obesity, stress, smoking, and high salt intake.
Secondary HTN (5%) is due to underlying conditions like kidney disease, adrenal disorders, thyroid problems, and diabetes.
Q: What are common causes and risk factors for hypertension?
Genetic factors, especially in offspring of hypertensive parents.
Obesity (especially abdominal adiposity) increases vasoconstriction and water retention via the RAAS system.
Excess alcohol disrupts baroreceptor reflex and increases sympathetic activity, raising BP.
Stress increases SNS activity and vasoconstriction.
Nutritional deficiencies in magnesium and potassium.
High salt intake: Affects blood pressure, with 50% of hypertensive individuals being salt-sensitive.
Inactivity and smoking both contribute to increased BP.
Q: What are dietary recommendations for managing hypertension?
Potassium/Sodium Ratio: Aim for a potassium-to-sodium ratio >3:1. Include potassium-rich foods (fruits/vegetables) and limit sodium to 1.5g/day.
DASH Diet: Emphasizes fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy, while limiting salt and saturated fats.
Q: What are natural sources of ACE inhibitors for managing hypertension?
Naturally occurring ACE inhibitory peptides in foods like spirulina, mushrooms, spinach, hemp seeds, walnuts, and bitter melon seeds help reduce vasoconstriction and lower blood pressure.
Q: How can stress management help reduce hypertension?
Diaphragmatic breathing reduces systolic and diastolic BP, heart rate, and anxiety.
Earthing (walking barefoot) can improve heart rate variability and lower cortisol, promoting parasympathetic (relaxation) responses.
Q: How does Vitamin D support blood pressure regulation?
Vitamin D deficiency leads to overexpression of renin, which activates the RAAS system, increasing vasoconstriction and sodium retention. Adequate vitamin D levels improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation, and lower BP.
Q: What is the role of magnesium in hypertension?
Magnesium (500-800 mg/day) is crucial for maintaining cardiac and vascular tone. Its deficiency can lead to elevated blood pressure due to its role in vascular reactivity.
Q: How does L-arginine help in managing hypertension?
L-arginine (1000-2000 mg 3x daily) is a precursor for nitric oxide (NO) production, which promotes vasodilation and reduces BP. It also modulates the RAAS system by inhibiting ACE activity.
Q: How does Vitamin B6 support hypertension management?
Vitamin B6 (100 mg 1-2x daily) is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, including serotonin and adrenaline, and helps reduce SNS activity. It also plays a role in reducing blood pressure.
Q: What are tissue salts and how can they help with hypertension?
Mag. Phos. & Kali. Phos. may reduce systolic and diastolic BP.
Nat. Sulph. helps improve urine output, reducing blood volume.
Calc. Fluor. strengthens arterial walls and improves elasticity.
Q: Which herbs are beneficial for hypertension?
Crataegus spp. (hawthorn): A cardiotonic herb that reduces BP and improves heart health.
Achillea millefolium (yarrow): Diuretic and hypotensive.
Tilia europea (lime flower): Nervine relaxant and anti-hyperlipidemic.
Dandelion leaf: A diuretic rich in potassium, beneficial for BP regulation.
Q: What type of exercise is recommended for hypertension management?
Regular aerobic exercise (e.g., walking, swimming, cycling, jogging) helps improve cardiovascular fitness and lower BP. Intense, short-burst exercise (e.g., sprinting or heavy weightlifting) should be avoided as it may increase BP temporarily.
