Hypertension Flashcards
What is the definition of blood pressure?
The pressure/force exerted on the artery walls
The greater the pressure/force, the higher the blood pressure
What factors influence and determine blood pressure?
Cardiac Output (stroke volume x heart rate) Peripheral vascular resistance Viscosity of the blood Fluid volume Sympathetic Nervous System Response Renin release
What body conditions will cause activation of the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)?
Decreased blood pressure Decreased fluid volume Decreased serum sodium Decreased renal perfusion Increased urine sodium
What is the purpose of activation of the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)? What will result after RAAS activates?
Increased blood pressure Increased fluid volume Increased serum sodium Increased renal perfusion Decreased urine sodium
When should a patient aged 18-29 years old with a “normal” blood pressure (<120/80) report for follow up of a blood pressure?
Every three to five years
When should patients aged greater than 39 years old or who are at increased risk for developing HTN report for follow up for a blood pressure?
Annually
What type of individuals are at an increased risk for developing HTN?
Those with an elevated blood pressure: Systolic 120-129, Diastolic <80
Those who are overweight
African Americans
Those with a family history of HTN
Define primary hypertension
Chronic BP elevation without known cause
Define secondary hypertension
Chronic BP elevation due to another issue within the body
List signs and symptoms of hypertension
Often no s/s
Rare s/s include: Headache, bloody nose, severe anxiety, dyspnea
How can hypertension be diagnosed?
Analyze risk factors (both modifiable and nonmodifiable)
Analyze signs and symptoms
Assess if there is history of kidney diesase
Assess if there is history of heart disease
Evaluate blood pressure readings from home
Current use of medications
List modifiable risk factors that have the ability to cause hypertension
Decreased activity level Smoking Poor diet Insufficient sleep Blood glucose level elevated Increased weight Poor stress management Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
List nonmodifiable risk factors that have the ability to cause hypertension
Family history of HTN
Increased age
Race and Ethnicity
Diabetes Mellitus Type 1
What is considered a “normal” blood pressure
<120/80
What blood pressure ranges fall under “elevated blood pressure”
Systolic: 120-129
Diastolic: <80
What blood pressure ranges fall under “stage one hypertension”
Systolic: 130-139
Diastolic: 80-89
What blood pressure ranges fall under “stage two hypertension”
Systolic: > or equal to 140
Diastolic: > or equal to 90
List therapeutic meausrements for hypertension control
Modify lifestyle (adjust modifiable risk factors that are present), such as:
Weight reduction
Diet changes: DASH diet, more whole foods, less sugars, less fats, follow Mediterranean diet
Increase physical activity
Stop smoking
Reduce stress
Increase Sleep
Start on antihypertension medications
What self care measures must a patient take to control blood pressure?
Decrease stress
Adjust lifestyle
Control modifiable risk factors
What education must a patient be provided with when starting on antihypertensive medication?
Medication must be continued even if s/s are not present
Get up slowly
Change positions slowly
Don’t abruptly discontinue medications
What vital sign should be assessed before administering any antihypertensive medication?
Blood pressure! Always assess prior to giving a medication that will decrease the blood pressure.
If the medication will alter another vital sign (such as heart rate), this should be assessed as well
List all medication drug classes that discussed in class that can be administered to control hypertension
Statin Loop diuretic Thiazide diuretic Potassium sparing diuretic Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor Angiotensin 2 Receptor blocker Calcium Channel Blocker Beta Blocker Combined Alpha and Beta Blocker
List the complications that can occur when hypertension remains unmanaged long term
Atherosclerosis Coronary artery disease Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Stoke Kidney Disease Retina Damage
