Hypertension Flashcards
what is hypertension?
raised blood pressure
what are the values for hypertension?
systolic = >140mm Hg diastolic = >90mm Hg
when taking blood pressure, how is it done?
3 separate measurements:
- sitting and rested
what are known risk factors for hypertension?
- age (older more likely)
- race
- obesity
- alcohol
- family history
- pregnancy
- stress
- drugs
what are examples of drugs that can cause hypertension?
- corticosteroids
- oral contraceptives
what disease outcomes can occur as a result of hypertension?
accelerated atherosclerosis which causes:
- myocardial infarction
- stroke
- peripheral vascular disease
renal failure
what effect does renal disease have on hypertension?
makes it worse (due to salt and water imbalances)
what are some rare triggers for hypertension?
- renal artery stenosis
- endocrine tumours
what endocrine tumour diseases can trigger hypertension & why?
- Conn’s syndrome (aldosterone) = increases circulating blood volume
- Cushing’s syndrome (cortisol) = increases circulating blood volume
- Phaeochromocytoma (adrenaline) = vasoconstrictor
what are some signs and symptoms of hypertension?
- usually none!
- headaches (normally in malignant hypertension)
- may get Transient Ischaemic Attacks
what are Transient Ischaemic Attacks?
- TIAs are mini strokes
what would be indications for further investigations of hypertension in a young patient?
- resistant hypertension despite treatment
- accelerated hypertension
- unusual history
what is phaeochromocytoma?
tumour on the adrenal gland that releases adrenaline
what does Cushing’s syndrome lead to which contributes to hypertension?
salt and water retention
what investigations may be done when looking at hypertension?
- urinalysis
- serum biochemistry
- serum lipids
- ECG
