Hypertension Flashcards
What is primary/essential hypertension?
Means that the hypertension has developed on its own and does not have a secondary cause
What are the secondary causes of hypertension?
Renal disease
Obesity
Pregnancy Induced hypertension/preclampsia
Endocrine conditions
What is the most common secondary cause of hypertension?
Renal disease especially renal artery stenosis
What are the figures for stage 1 hypertension?
Clinic BP >= 140/90 mmHg
ABPM/HBPM BP >= 135/85 mmHg
What are the figures for stage 2 hypertension?
Clinic BP >= 160/100 mmHg
ABPM/HBPM BP >= 150/95 mmHg
What are the figures for stage 3 hypertension?
Clinic systolic BP >= 180 mmHg, or clinic diastolic BP >= 110 mmHg
What lifestyle factors can be done to manage hypertension?
Low salt diet Caffeine intake reduced Stop smoking, Drink less alcohol Eat a balanced diet Exercise more Lose weight
When should stage 1 hypertension be treated?
Treat if < 80 years of age AND any of the following apply; target organ damage, established cardiovascular disease, renal disease, diabetes or a 10-year cardiovascular risk equivalent to 10% or greater
Consider drug treatment in addition to lifestyle advice for adults aged under 60 and an estimated 10-year risk below 10%. ‘.
When should stage 2 hypertension be treated?
Offer drug treatment regardless of age
For patients < 40 years consider specialist referral to exclude secondary causes.
What is the first line treatment for stage 1 hypertension?
Patients < 55-years-old or T2D: ACE inhibitor or a Angiotensin receptor blocker (ACE-i or ARB)
Patients >= 55-years-old or black African or African–Caribbean origin: Calcium channel blocker
Give examples of ACE inhibitors
ramipril
lisinopril
Give examples of calcium channel blockers
amlodipine
ACE inhibtors can cause a troublesome cough due to build-up of bradykinin usually broken down by ACE; What drug is substituted for ACE if this side effect is present?
Angiotensin receptor blocker
Candesartan/losartan
What is the 2nd line treatment for hypertension?
If already taking an ACE-i or ARB add a Calcium channel blocker or a thiazide-like Diuretic
If already taking a Calcium channel blocker add an ACE-i or ARB or a thiazide-like Diuretic
What drug is used in preference to ACEi in patients of black African or African–Caribbean origin requiring 2nd line management of hypertension?
If they require a second agent consider an ARB in preference to an ACE inhibitor
Give examples of thiazide diuretics
Indapamide or bendrofluthiazide
What is the 3rd line treatment for hypertension?
Add a third drug to make:
a. if already taking an (A + C) then add a D
b. if already (A + D) then add a C
What is the 4th line treatment for hypertension?
If potassium < 4.5 mmol/l add low-dose spironolactone (aldosterone antagonist)
If potassium > 4.5 mmol/l add an alpha blocker or beta-blocker (e.g carvedilol)
Whats an alpha blocker used in hypertension?
Doxazosin
What is a beta blocker used in hypertension?
Carvedilol
Give an example of an aldosterone antagonist
Spironolactone
What are the blood pressure targets for patients <80 years old?
Clinic - 140/90 mmHg
HBPM/ABPM - 135/85 mmHg
What are the blood pressure targets for patients >80 years old?
Clinic - 150/90 mmHg
HBPM/ABPM - 145/85 mmHg
What is Acute coronary syndrome?
The term (ACS) encompasses a range of conditions including unstable angina, NSTEMI and STEMI that are due to a sudden reduction of blood flow to the heart.
Why is anti-platelet medications such as aspirin & clopidogrel the mainstay of treatment in Acute coronary syndrome?
When a thrombus forms in a fast-flowing artery it is made up mostly of platelets, that is why anti-platelet drugs are used to break up the thrombus.
What arteries supply the heart?
The right and left coronary arteries.
The Left Coronary Artery becomes the Circumflex and Left Anterior Descending (LAD).
The left coronary artery bifurcates into two separate arteries that supply the heart; what are they?
The Left Coronary Artery becomes the Circumflex and Left Anterior Descending (LAD).
What area of the heart does the Right Coronary Artery (RCA) supply?
a. Right atrium
b. Right ventricle
c. Inferior aspect of left ventricle
d. Posterior septal area
What area of the heart does the Circumflex artery supply?
a. Left atrium
b. Posterior aspect of left ventricle
What area of the heart does the Left anterior descending artery supply?
a. Anterior aspect of left ventricle
b. Anterior aspect of septum