Hypertension Flashcards
What is hypertension?
Raised blood pressure
What would be an expected reading of someone with hypertension?
Equal to or above 140/90
How should blood pressure be measured?
Three separate measurements should be taken in succession, separated by at least 1 minute. This should be carried out whilst sitting and rested. The average of the three measurements should be used as the reading.
What is ambulatory measuring?
Measuring blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24 hour period while patients undergo normal daily activities, including sleep.
Which ethnic groups are at higher risk of developing hypertension?
African, Caribbean and south Asian ethnicities
Why might African, Caribbean and south Asian ethnicities be at higher risk to hypertension?
Along with genetic factors, environmental factors such as the foods traditionally eaten - which tend to be higher in salt and saturated fat- put these groups at higher risk of hypertension
The treatment of hypertension has what effect on patients risk of coronary heart disease?
It has little effect, coronary heart disease - which eventually causes patient to have a heart attack- is a slow, long process. So, treatment of hypertension will not reverse atherosclerotic pressure built up in blood vessels.
What is another name for coronary heart disease?
Atherosclerosis
The treatment of hypertension has what effect on the outcome of heart failure?
Significant improvement in risk of heart failure, as reduces workload of heart, making muscle more able to cope
What are the two common disease outcomes of hypertension?
- accelerated atherosclerosis
- renal failure
What can be the consequence of accelerated atherosclerosis?
- myocardial infarction
- stroke
- peripheral vascular disease
What is “essential” hypertension?
When blood pressure is abnormally high, however not as a result of a medical condition. This is likely a genetic failure of auto-regulation control of blood vessel wall constriction.
What is renal artery stenosis?
The narrowing of one or more arteries that carry blood to your kidneys
What are the three hormones that endocrine tumours release which can be rare triggers for hypertension?
- Adrenaline
- Aldosterone
- Cortisol
What is the role of adrenaline, related to hypertension?
Acts as a vasoconstrictor