Exam II: 3D Pathology of Hypertension, Arteriosclerosis & Aneurysm

Question 0

How does hypertension affect vessels?

Answer 0

• Stimulates arterial vessels to thicken & strengthen this causes vessels to become thick + less elastic–> ability to change diameter lessens !
• Damages delicate capillaries of the eyes & kidneys (think diabetes patient)

Question 1

Why is hypertension deadly?

Answer 1

1) Not easily detected- silent disease
2) Most cases of hypertension are typically asymptomatic and diagnosis is often make by chance screening or when a person seeks medical care of other problems

Question 2

What is hypertension?

Answer 2

• Consistent elevation of BP

- Asymptomatic

Question 3

Why is hypertension deadly?

Answer 3

Causes a substantially higher load, thereby increases the hearts workload & causing “myocardial hypertrophy”

Question 4

What is hypertension a major risk for?

Answer 4

1) stroke
2) myocardial infarction
3) Heart failure
4) Aneurysms
5) Peripheral artery disease
6) Chronic kidney disease

Question 5

What number correlates with hypertension?

Answer 5

Stage 1: 140/99
Stage 2: 160/ 100
Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89

Question 6

What are some example of evidence of underlying disease of HTN (primary essential hypertension) ?

Answer 6

(90-95% of HTN cases) Related to:

1) advancing age
2) race & gender
3) obesity
4) smoking
5) heavy alcohol consumption
6) high salt intake
7) stress and sedentary lifestyle

Question 7

What is secondary hypertension? (examples?)

Answer 7

Caused by a disorder or situation that increases TPR or CO. Only 5-10% of cases are classified as this.

Examples: 
renal failure**** (MOST COMMON)
hyperthyroidism
renin-producing tumors
Cushing syndrome
hyperaldosteronism
pheochromocytoma

Question 8

How can you manage Hypertension?

Answer 8

• Lifestyle changes. modification of risk factors

- Anti-Hypertensive medications ***

Question 9

What is Arteriosclerosis?

Answer 9

• Abnormal thickening and hardening of the arterial walls (especially the tunica intima & media)
• Commonly associated with HYPERTENSION and DIABETES

Question 10

What does Arteriosclerosis lead to ?

Answer 10

• Narrowing of the arterial lumen (thereby producing ischemia)
• Decreases the ability of an artery to change its radius, mainly becaseu of rigidity and loss of elasticity.

Question 11

What are Aneurysms?

Answer 11

• Vessel aneurysms are due to the “weakening” of the vessel wall, followed by abnormal dilation, which have a tendency to rupture.
• Can be congenital or acquired
• Often they are silent, unless they compress structures.
• May be repairable; depends on location

Question 12

What is circumferential or Fusiform Aneurysms?

Answer 12

• Entire wall of the artery “out pouches”

- Common in the abdominal aorta (AAA= abdominal aortic aneurysm)

Question 13

What are Saccular or Berry Aneurysms?

Answer 13

• Only ONE portion of the arterial walls “out pouches”

- Most often observed in the small arteries of the BRAIN, Circle of Willis.

Question 14

What are Dissecting aneurysms?

Answer 14

• Similar to circumferential
• Tunics of the arterial wall separate; blood collects in-between the tunics
• Common in the aortic arch