Hypertension Flashcards
Define systemic hypertension?
Persistent high arterial BP of >140/90 mmHg.
Describe the pathophysiology of hypertension?
Combo of genetics and environment contribute.
- Defects in renal sodium homeostasis leads to inadequate sodium excretion and water retention. This causes an increase in plasma and ECF volume, increasing CO.
- Functional vasoconstriction occurs. Increased plasma and ECF cause increased naturetic hormone release, and increased vascular reactivity.
- Defects in vascular SM growth and structure lead to increased vascular wall thickness.
- Increased vascular reactivity + increased wall thickness leads to increased total peripheral resistance.
- Increased CO and TPR lead to hypertension!
What is the prevalence of hypertension?
45% worldwide.
What is the relationship between blood pressure and risk of CV disease?
Risk of CV disease double for every 20mmHg increase in systolic pressure.
Risk of CV disease doubles for every 10mmHg increase in diastolic pressure.
What is ‘high normal’ BP?
130-139/85-89 mmHg
What is Grade 1 hypertension?
140-159/90-99 mmHg
What is Grade 2 hypertension?
160-179/100-109 mmHg
What is Grade 3 hypertension?
> 180/>110 mmHg
What is isolated systolic hypertension?
> 140/<90 mmHg.
Who normally gets isolated systolic hypertension?
Elderly people are their blood vessels are stiffer.
What % of hypertension patients have primary hypertension?
90%
What is primary hypertension?
No identifiable cause, but many risk factors.
List non-modifiable risk factors of primary hypertension?
- age
- gender (More males <50, but equal males and females after menopause)
- ethnicity (more common in afro carribeans)
- genetic factors.
List modifable risk factors for primary hypertension?
- poor diet (high fat, high salt)
- low physical activity
- obesity
- excess alcohol
- stress.
What % of hypertension cases are secondary hypertension?
5-10%
What is secondary hypertension?
Hypertension secondary to another medical condition.
List endocrine causes of secondary hypertension?
- Hyperaldosteronism: excess aldosterone from adenoma so greater salt and water retention.
- Phaechromocytoma: excess catecholamines.
- Hyperthyroid: Systolic hypertenson.
- Hypothyroid: Diastolic hypertension.
- Cushings: due to excess cortisol.