Hypertension

Question 1

Define hypertension.

Answer 1

Resting blood pressure over 140/90 mmhg.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of hypertension.

Answer 2

Blood pressure naturally increases as you grow older, however diastolic generally doesn’t change that much.

There are some important risk factors e.g. smoking, obesity, low activity, high cholesterol, poor diet etc.

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of hypertension.

Answer 3

Worldwide, it is estimated that 1 billion people are hypertensive, accounting for an estimated 7.1 million deaths per year. It is becoming an increasingly common problem because of increased longevity and the prevalence of contributing factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet.

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of hypertension.

Answer 4

Hypertension is generally asymptomatic.

Serious hypertension may present with signs such as headache, vision changes, SOB etc.

Question 5

Recognise the signs of hypertension on physical examination.

Answer 5

A sustained resting blood pressure of 140/90 mmhg.
Retinopathy may also be present.

Question 6

Identify appropriate investigations for hypertension and interpret the results.

Answer 6

ECG
Fasting metabolic panel with estimated GFR
Lipid panel
Urinalysis
Hb
Thyroid-stimulating hormone

These tests are to find the cause of the hypertension rather than to confirm the presence of hypertension.