HYPERTENSION Flashcards
What defines elevated BP and Stage 1 hypertension according to ACC/AHA?
Elevated BP: SBP 120-129 mmHg and DBP >80 mmHg; Stage 1 Hypertension: SBP 130-139 mmHg or DBP 80-89 mmHg.
What is blood pressure?
The force exerted by circulating blood against the artery walls.
What are primary risk factors for hypertension?
Smoking, obesity, inactivity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, microalbuminuria, age, family history of cardiovascular disease.
Which conditions increase CVD risk in hypertensive patients?
Hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, microalbuminuria, hypercoagulability, visceral obesity, dyslipidemia.
What were the findings of the Framingham Study on hypertension?
Higher DBP is linked to increased risks of stroke and MI, especially in combination with other risk factors.
Why is hypertension often called a “silent killer”?
It is usually asymptomatic until complications develop, necessitating lifelong management.
What is the JNC 7 classification of hypertension levels?
Normal: <120/<80 mmHg; Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89 mmHg; Stage 1: 140-159/90-99 mmHg; Stage 2: >160/>100 mmHg.
How should prehypertension be managed?
With lifestyle modifications, and possibly drug therapy if diabetes or kidney disease is present.
What is isolated systolic hypertension?
A condition where only SBP is elevated, often due to reduced aortic compliance with age, increasing CVD risk.
What are the two main types of hypertension?
Primary (essential) hypertension, with no identifiable cause, and secondary hypertension, due to underlying conditions.
What are common causes of secondary hypertension?
Renal disease, renovascular disease, mineralocorticoid excess, pheochromocytoma, sleep apnea, glucocorticoid excess, coarctation of the aorta, thyroid dysfunction.
What historical clues suggest secondary hypertension?
Early onset, severe or treatment-resistant HTN, episodic headache or palpitations, morbid obesity with daytime sleepiness.
What are signs of secondary hypertension on physical examination?
Pallor, edema, truncal obesity, abdominal bruit, and signs of conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or pheochromocytoma.
What symptoms are common in obstructive sleep apnea?
Daytime sleepiness, loud snoring, episodes of stopped breathing, gasping or choking, and difficulty concentrating.
What organs are commonly affected by hypertension?
The heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes, leading to left ventricular hypertrophy, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and retinopathy.
How does hypertension impact the nervous system?
It increases the risk of stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, lacunar infarcts, cerebral atrophy, and dementia.
What is the purpose of patient evaluation in hypertension?
To assess lifestyle, cardiovascular risks, possible causes, and target organ damage.
What are the guidelines for accurate blood pressure measurement?
Regularly calibrate equipment, ensure patient is seated 15-20 minutes, use correct cuff size, avoid caffeine, smoking, and exercise before measurement.
What are the primary goals of treating hypertension?
Reduce BP to <140/90 mmHg in general, or <130/80 mmHg in patients with diabetes or kidney disease, to reduce cardiovascular and renal morbidity.
What are the main benefits of controlling hypertension?
Reduction in stroke risk by 35-40%, MI by 20-25%, and heart failure by over 50%.
What lifestyle modifications help manage hypertension?
DASH diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, portion control, reduced calorie beverage and food intake.
What are first-line medications for hypertension?
Thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers.
How do beta-blockers work in hypertension management?
They reduce heart rate and contractility, lowering BP by blocking adrenaline effects on the heart.