HTN Flashcards
HTN definition
Systolic BP above 140 and/or diastolic above 90 based on 3 measurements separated in time. Can be primary or secondary.
Primary hypertension (Essential)
HTN with no identifiable cause. This is 95% of cases of HTN.
Risk factors include a family history of HTN or heart disease, a high sodium diet, smoking, obesity, ethnicity (blacks more than whites), and advanced age.
History and PE for primary HTN
HTN is asymptomatic until complications develop
Patients should be evaluated for end-organ damage to the brain (stroke, dementia), eye (cotton-wool exudates, hemorrhage), heart (LVH), and kidney (proteinuria, chronic kidney disease). Renal bruits may signify renal artery stenosis as the cause of the HTN
Diagnosis of Primary HTN
Obtain a UA, BUN/Cr, CBC, and lytes to assess extent of end-organ damage and possible secondary causes
Treatment of primary HTN
1) Rule out secondary causes of HTN, particularly in patients with new-onset HTN at extremes of age
2) Begin with lifestyle mods. Weight loss is the single most effective lifestyle mod.
3) BP goal in otherwise healthy patients is less than 140/90. Goal in diabetics or patients with renal disease with proteinuria is less than 130/80
4) Diuretics, ACEIs, B-blockers have been shown to decrease mortality in uncomplicated HTN. They are first line unless a comorbid condition requires another med
5) Periodically test for end-organ complications, including renal complications (BUN, Cr, urine protein-to-creatinine) and cardiac complications (ECG evidence of hypertrophy)
Causes of secondary HTN
CHAPS
Cushing's syndrome Hyperaldosteronism (Conn's) Aortic coarctation Pheochromocytoma Stenosis of renal arteries
Primary renal disease
Cause of secondary HTN
1) Often unilateral renal parenchymal disease
2) Treat with ACEIs, which slow the progression of renal disease
Renal artery stenosis
Causes secondary HTN
1) Especially common in patient less than 25 and greater than 50 with recent onset HTN. Etiologies include fibromuscular dysplasia (younger patients) and atherosclerosis (older)
2) Diagnose with MRA or renal artery doppler. May be treated with angioplasty or stenting. Consider ACEIs in unilateral disease. In bilateral disease, ACEIs can accelerate kidney failure by preferentially vasodilating the efferent aterioles. Open surgery is second option if angio is not effective or doable.
OCP use
Can cause secondary HTN
1) Common in women over 35, obese women, and those with long-standing use.
2) Discontinue OCPs (effect may be delayed)
Pheochromocytoma
Can cause secondary HTN
1) An adrenal gland tumor that secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine, leading to episodic headaches, sweating, and tachycardia.
2) Diagnose with urinary metanephrines and catecholamine levels or plasma metanephrine. Surgical removal of tumor after treatment with both alpha and beta blockers
Conn’s Syndrome (hyperaldosteronism)
1) Most often secondary to an aldosterone-producing adrenal adenoma. Causes triad of HTN, unexplained hypoK and metabolic alkalosis.
2) Metabolic workup with plasma aldosterone and renin level. Increased aldosterone and decreased renin levels suggest primary hyperaldosteronism. Surgical removal of tumor.
Cushing’s Syndrome
another cause of secondary HTN
1) Due to ACTH-producing pituitary tumor, an ectopic ACTH secreting tumor or cortisol secretion by an adrenal adenoma/carcinoma. Also due to exogenous steroid exposure.
2) Surgical removal of tumor; removal of exogenous steroids
Coarctation of the aorta
Another cause of secondary HTN
Treat with surgery
Treating HTN in uncomplicated patient
DBAc (diuretics, B, ACE)
Treating HTN in CHF
DBAcAr + aldosterone antagonists
