Hypertension Flashcards
What is the definition of essential hypertension
-Systolic Blood pressure (BP) 140 mm Hg or higher
OR
-Diastolic BP 90 mm Hg or greater
-Elevated BP are consistent over time in patient’s usual state of health
-No evident secondary cause.
*Thus, Essential hypertension = Primary hypertension
Why do we call primary hypertension “essential hypertension”
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) rises with age due to arterial stiffening (True)
- Historical Misconception : aged blood vessels “require” higher blood pressures for organ perfusion
What is the relationship between BP and mortality
“J-point” or “U-shaped” curve of mortality and BP
*high mortality w/ high pressures and very low pressures
Mortality greater for SBP over 139 vs. 100-119 mm Hg
Describe the pathophysiology of essential BP
- ↑ Cardiac Output (CO) and/or ↑ Peripheral Vascular Resistance (PVR)
- CO = Stroke Volume (SV) x Heart Rate (HR)
- PVR determined by systemic and local factors that either dilate or constrict arteries.
- Increased SV due to increased extra-cellular volume, generally from higher sodium levels
What can cause increased PVR?
- ↑ by SNS vasoconstriction
- ↑ by higher Angiotensin II (from ↑RAAS) and/or lower kallikrein-kinin levels
- Impaired endothelial-dependent local vasodilation (impaired local NO production or impaired NO-dependent signaling)
- Mediating factors: Metabolic stress of overweight/obesity – ↑insulin resistance
How do you make sure it’s hypertension
- recheck BP after patient seated calmly for 10 minutes (resting)
- Elevated BP over 2-3 visits over ≥ 2 weeks
- Make sure it’s “primary HTN” - rule out secondary causes,)
Risk stratification for HTN
- other CV risks: hyperlipidemia, smoking, DM2, known vascular dz
- assess for BP related end organ damage
What is the goal sodium intake daily
less than 1500-2000mg daily
What PE is important to do for HTN
- funduscopic
- cardiopulmonary
- pulses of 4 extremities
- neurologic examination
What is the appropriate measurement technique to take BP
- Patient seated 10 or more minutes
- Back supported and feet are on floor
- Arm supported at 90-degree angle
- Appropriate size cuff (use markings on cuff)
- Measure BP in both arms - highest BP guides treatment
- Record BP to closest even number
How do confirm the dx of HTN
2+ readings 140/90 or higher, spaced at least 2 weeks apart
- In anxious patients, consider home BP cuff or ambulatory BP monitor to rule out White Coat HTN (~13%)
- Rule out secondary causes of HTN
Secondary causes of HTN
- Heavy EtOH use (even mild withdrawal causes SNS activation)
- Most antidepressants are BP-neutral but venlafaxine will ↑BP
- Hypo and hyperthyroidism
- renovascular disease
- Primary renal disease
- OCPs
- NSAIDS
- Stimulants (cocaine, meth)
- PCC
- primary aldosteronism
- Cushing’s
- Sleep apnea**
- Coarctation of the aorta
When people are on 3 meds for HTN and its still not well controlled, you should think ____
secondary HTN
Clues to secondary HTN
- thin, health before age 30
- Obese with snoring and daytime somnolence? (OSA)
- Onset of HTN before puberty?– congenital
- Recently started on NSAIDs OR birth control containing estrogen OR venlafaxine OR taking steroids;
- Social hx for heavy EtOH use/SNS activating substances?
- Fatigue, unintentional weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation?
- Fhx of secondary cause
What are the 5 P’s of pheochromocytoma?
- palpitations
- perspiration
- pallor
- pounding HA
- increased BP
Screening for sleep apnea
- feel refreshed in the morning?
- Fall asleep easily
- snore?
- wake themselves up sometimes
What are Cushing features
- cushingoid facies,
- buffalo hump,
- increased supraclavicular fat pad,
- central obesity,
- purple stria
Assessing for target organ damage
- Neurological: HA, transient sx (blindness, weakness)
* R/O prior CVA w/ CN, strength, sensation, and cerebellar testing - CV: CP, DOE, claudication, decreased pulses, S4- LVH
- Opthalmology” cotton-wool spots, AV nicking
- Pulm: rales (CHF)
What are cotton wool spots
infarction of nerve fiber layer of the retina
Labs to rule out secondary causes of HTN
- Electrolytes (including sodium, potassium, calcium)
- Excludes hyperaldosteronism, hyperparathyroidism as secondary causes - Creatinine (rule out renal disease)
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (rule out hypothyroid)
Labs/tests to risk-stratify for HTN
- Lipid Panel (to further define 10yr CV risk profile)
- fasting glucose of HbgA1c (look for DM)
- EKG (assess for left ventricular hypertrophy as sign of cardiac damage from long-standing hypertension)
Counseling for life style modifications for HTN BEFORE starting meds
- Weight maintenance/loss: ↓10kg = ↓BP 5-20 mm Hg (only if BMI over/= 25)
- 30 minutes exercise/day: ↓BP 4-9 mm Hg
- Sodium <2400 mg/day: ↓BP 2-8 mm Hg (some are salt sensitive, ie. AA)
- Restrict EtOH: ↓BP 2-4 mm Hg (2 drinks/day for males, 1 drink/day for females)
Counseling after initiating medication for BP
- same as before starting meds
2. medication adherence
Eighth Joint National Committee on Hypertension (JNC8) Recommendations Goal BP:
- Adults 60 years or older and NO CKD: less than 150/90
- Adults 60 years or older and + CKD: less than 140/90
- Adults less than 60 years: less than 140/90