Hypertension Flashcards
What is hypertension?
- Blood pressure: force blood exerts against arterial walls; expressed in mmHg systolic/diastolic
- <120/<80 = normal
- ≥140/≥90 = hypertension
What is blood pressure directly related to?
Blood volume
When does blood pressure increase?
When resistance to blood flow is increased
Name 3 ways resistance to blood flow increases.
- Lumen of vessel is decreased
- Length blood must travel is increased
- Viscosity of blood is increased
Describe nervous system control of blood pressure. [3]
- BP regulated by cardiovascular center in medulla oblongata
- Receives input from baroreceptors
- Regulates heart rate & force of contraction, vessel dilation/constriction
Describe endocrine control of blood pressure. [4]
- Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) - increases BP
- Epinephrine & norepinephrine - increases BP
- Antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin) - increases BP
- Atrial natriuretic peptide - decreases BP
What is renin released in response to? [3]
- Low blood pressure
- Low extracellular fluid (ECF) volume
- Low plasma sodium
What does aldosterone stimulate?
Sodium reabsorption→ increases extracellular fluid osmolality → promotes fluid retention → rise in BP
Describe the RAAS response to decreased blood pressure.
- Decreased blood pressure
- Renin (an enzyme) is released; angiotensinogen from liver
- Angiotensin I results from renin action of angiotensinogen; conversion takes place primarily in the lungs
- Angiotensin II formed from angiotensin I
- Aldosterone is released from the adrenal gland; blood vessel contriction by angiotensin II
- Aldosterone stimulates increased sodium retention by the kidney
- Increased water retention by the kidney
Result = increased blood pressure
What is the body’s response to dehydration?
- Dehydration = decreased ECF; decreased ICF; increased osmotic pressure
- RAAS system activated and hypothalamus stimulated
- RAAS → adrenal cortex → aldosterone → increased sodium and water retention by the kidney
- Hypothalamus → Pituitary gland → ADH → increased water reabsorption by the kidney
Result = increased ECF and ICF
Hypertension has signs and symptoms.
True or False?
False.
There are usually no symptoms or signs.
Hypertension usually has no signs or symptoms.
True or False?
True.
What does hypertension tend to rise with?
Age
What does hypertension commonly co-exist with? [2]
Type II diabetes
Obesity
What occurs over time with hypertension?
Damage to blood vessels, heart, and kidneys
What is hypertension a risk factor for? [4]
- Heart disease
- Aneurysm
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
Describe hypertension as a global issue.
- Low in North America
- Higher in South America and Africa
- Highest in central Africa, East European countries, and Russia
Describe hypertension prevalence in women.
Compared to men; more countries in 20-30% range; most below 50%; mean ~40%
Describe hypertension prevalence in men.
Compared to women, less in 20-30% range, more over 50%; mean ~35%
Discuss hypertension in Canada.
- Hypertension has been cited as the most common reason for doctor’s visits & most common reason for taking medications
- 2018 - 25% of Canadian adults over 20 years of age live with diagnosed hypertension
- Approximately 20% of indivdiuals with hypertension are not aware of their condition, so the true prevalence is likely higher
Describe the potential for dietary intervention for hypertension treatment.
- Dietary changes can serve as first-line therapy, before antihypertensive medication, for treating uncomplicated hypertension.
- Among hypertensive individuals who are already taking medication, dietary changes can further lower BP and make it possible to reduce the number and dose of antihypertensive medications.
Which diet-related factors have well-established antihypertensive efficacy? (either adverse [3] or protective [2])
Adverse effect on BP:
* Body weight (increased visceral fat)
* Salt
* Alcohol
Protective effect on BP:
* Potassium
* DASH-type dietary pattern
Why is body fat a concern with hypertension?
- For each extra pound of body fat, an estimated 400 miles of additional blood vessels develop
- Recall - blood pressure is directly related to blood volume.
What is the key regulator of blood volume and blood pressure?
Sodium!
What is the main cation in extracellular fluid?
Sodium!
What is sodium’s role in maintenance of fluid homeostasis?
- Balance of ECF and ICF
- More sodium in blood = increased osmolarity, pulls more water into blood → increases blood pressure