Hypertension

Question 1

Hypertension

Answer 1

SBP >140mmHg
DBP >90mmHg
Based on the average of at least 3 readings

Question 2

Prehypertensive

Answer 2

120-139 and/or 80-89

Question 3

Stage 1 Hypertension

Answer 3

140-159 and /or 90-99

Question 4

Stage 2 Hypertension

Answer 4

> 160 and/or >100

Question 5

Hypertension is called

Answer 5

“the silent killer”
-The WHO identifies it as being responsible for 62% of
cerebrovascular disease and 49% of ischemic heart disease
-CDC estimates that approximately 1 in 4 adults are
hypertensive. Many do not realize

Question 6

What is blood pressure?

Answer 6

-The force exerted against the walls of the arteries and
veins by the blood as it’s being pumped from the heart
-it’s also the pressure exerted by the walls of the arteries and veins against the blood.

Question 7

Systolic Pressure

Answer 7

highest amount of pressure

exerted on the arterial wall at the peak of ventricular contraction

Question 8

Diastolic Pressure

Answer 8

lowest pressure exerted during ventricular relaxation

Question 9

Mean Arterial Pressure

Answer 9

• average amount of pressure exerted throughout cardiac cycle.
• MAP=1/3(SBP+2DBP)

Question 10

How is BP Controlled/Maintained?

Answer 10

-Sympathetic Nervous System – Baroreceptors in the carotid arteries can activate SNS.
-Vascular Endothelium – produces several vasoactive
substances.
-Renal System- 1.Controls extracellular fluid.
2.Renin, angiotensin, aldosterone system 3.Prostaglandins - vasodilators.

Question 11

Primary HTN

Answer 11

Elevated BP without a single

identified cause.

Question 12

Secondary HTN

Answer 12

Elevated BP with specific cause

which can be identified and corrected.

Question 13

Preeclampsia

Answer 13

Elevated BP during pregnancy, usually

after 20 weeks. Possible organ damage especially kidneys. Very dangerou

Question 14

Contributing factors of HTN (primary)

Answer 14

• Elevated SNS activity.
• Elevated sodium retaining/vasocaonstricting hormones. -Increased body weight.
• Diabetes.
• Tobacco/alcohol consumption.

Question 15

Risk Factors (primary)

Answer 15

• Age
• Body Weight
• Diet
• Exercise
• Genetics
• Sex
• Ethnicity/Socioeconomics
• Alcohol/Tobacco
• Stress

Question 16

Manifestations of HTN (primary)

Answer 16

• Early on, asymptomatic. Only high BP.
• Headache
• Nocturia
• Mental status changes later on.
• Nausea, vomitting.
• Visual changes, Papilledema(swelling of optic nerve)

Question 17

Secondary HTN

Answer 17

-Coarctation or congenital narrowing of aorta.
-Side effect of drugs or hormones (ex. Corticosteroids,
estrogen)
-Traumatic brain injury, tumors.
-Glomerulonephritis, kidney disease.
-Cirrhosis

Question 18

HTN Crisis Manifestations

Answer 18

-Encephalopathy – increased cerebral capillary
permeability.
-Headache 
-Nausea, vomitting 
-Seizures, confusion, coma
-Renal insuffieciency 
-Angina, MI, chest pain, SOB

Question 19

Nitroprusside sodium

Answer 19

vasodilator given IV in HTN

crisis, must be closely monitored and tightly titrated.

Question 20

Labetalol

Answer 20

mixed alpha and beta adrenergic blocker

given IV.

Question 21

Prevention/Treatment

Answer 21

-Modify diet
-Increase activity/exercise, decrease weight
-Stress reduction
-Diet-Dash Diet
Drugs- Vasodilators, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, alpha-
adrenergic blockers, beta adrenergic blockers, calcium channel blockers
-Will depend on individual and the cause(s) of their
HTN

Question 22

Dash Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)

Answer 22

-Lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat dairy,
fish, poultry, nuts
-Very few sugary foods, sugary beverages, red meats,
added fats

Question 23

Beta Adrenergic Receptor Blockers

Answer 23

e.g. atenolol,
metoprolol
-Make the heart beat slower and with less force

Question 24

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

Answer 24

e.g. enalapril,
lisinopril
-Stops veins from vasoconstricting

Question 25

Diuretics

Answer 25

e. g. furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide
- Makes you pee
- Potassium sparing -spironolactone