Htn Flashcards
What three systems must work together for the heart to beat efficiently?
Circulatory, Conductive, Coronary
These systems regulate blood pressure and cardiac function.
What is hypertension?
Sustained elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure (BP)
High BP is a significant modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
What is the systolic blood pressure threshold for hypertension?
≥140 mm Hg
Diastolic blood pressure threshold is ≥90 mm Hg.
What percentage of adult Canadians has high blood pressure?
About one in five
This statistic highlights the prevalence of hypertension in Canada.
What is isolated systolic hypertension (ISH)?
Sustained elevation of SBP ≥ 140 mm Hg and a DBP < 90 mm Hg
ISH is common in older adults due to loss of arterial elasticity.
What percentage of hypertension cases are primary (essential) hypertension?
90% to 95%
This type is most prevalent in clinical practice.
What are some risk factors for primary hypertension?
- Advancing age
- Family history
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Cigarette smoking
- Ethnicity
- Diabetes mellitus
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Elevated serum lipids
- Socioeconomic status
- High dietary sodium
- Psychosocial stress
- Gender
These factors contribute to the development of hypertension.
What clinical findings may suggest secondary hypertension?
- Unprovoked hypokalemia
- Abdominal bruit
- Variable pressures with history of tachycardia, sweating, and tremor
- Family history of renal disease
These findings indicate underlying health issues.
What are some causes of secondary hypertension?
- Coarctation or congenital narrowing of the aorta
- Renal disease (renal artery stenosis, parenchymal disease)
- Endocrine disorders (pheochromocytoma, Cushing’s syndrome, hyperaldosteronism)
- Neurological disorders (brain tumors, quadriplegia, head injury)
- Sleep apnea
- Medications
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Addressing these causes can help manage secondary hypertension.
How is hypertension often described in terms of symptoms?
It is often asymptomatic until severe and target-organ disease has occurred
This insidious nature makes hypertension particularly dangerous.
What are some complications associated with primary hypertension?
- Hypertensive heart disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Left ventricular hypertrophy
- Heart failure
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Nephrosclerosis
- Retinal damage
These complications can lead to serious health issues.
What diagnostic studies are recommended for primary hypertension?
- Urinalysis
- Blood chemistry (potassium, sodium, blood urea, creatinine)
- Fasting blood glucose
- Fasting cholesterol and lipid profile
- 12-lead electrocardiography
- Urinary albumin excretion assessment in diabetic patients
Regular monitoring is crucial for managing hypertension.
What lifestyle modifications are recommended for managing primary hypertension?
- Nutritional therapy
- Weight reduction
- Modification in alcohol consumption
- Physical activity
- Avoidance of tobacco products
- Stress management
These changes can significantly lower blood pressure.
What is one goal of nursing management in primary hypertension?
Achieve and maintain target BP
This goal is critical for preventing complications.
Fill in the blank: Hypertension is often referred to as a _______ disease.
silent
This term reflects the lack of noticeable symptoms in many individuals.
