Hypertension Flashcards
What conditions is hypertension a risk factor for?
Stroke IHD (ischaemic heart disease) Heart failure Chronic kidney disease Cognitive decline Premature death
In what environment should BP be measured?
In a relaxed, temperate setting, with person quiet and seated and their arm outstretched and supported
How is BP measured?
Measure blood pressure in both armsusingan appropriate cuff size
- If the difference in readings between arms is more than 15mmHg, repeat the measurements
- If the difference in readings between arms remains more than 15mmHg on the second measurement, measure subsequent blood pressures in the arm with the higher reading
Palpate the radial or brachial pulse before measuring blood pressure
If pulse irregularity is present, measure blood pressure manually using direct auscultation over the brachial artery
What should you do if BP is between 140/90 and 180/120 mmHg?
Offer ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension
If ABPM is unsuitable or the person is unable to tolerate it, offer home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM)
What is ambulatory BP monitoring?
Non-invasive method of monitoring BP over 24 hours in the patients usual environment therefore reflecting the patient’s true BP and mitigating against issues such as white coat hypertension
What is home BP monitoring?
Home BP monitoring allows patients to measure their own BP at home
Often helpful in the in the ongoing monitoring of BP once treatment has been initiated and many patients value the role they have in monitoring and managing their own health
What are the stages of hypertension?
Stage 1 - 135/85 to 149/94
Stage 2 - 150/95 to 179/119
Stage 3 - >180/120
- can result in malignant hypertension
What is seen in hypertensive urgent?
NO target organ damage
Systolic > 180 mmHg or diastolic > 110 mmHg
Symptoms:
- Headache (severe), SOB, nose bleed, severe anxiety
How is hypertensive urgency managed?
Oral anti-hypertensives
Treat as outpatient
What is hypertensive emergency (aka malignant hypertension)?
High BP which causes target organ DAMAGE
- Can have severe/permanent effects on brain (e.g. encephalopathy), heart and kidneys
Systolic > 180 mmHg or diastolic > 120 mmHg
What symptoms may be seen in hypertensive emergency?
Chest pain SOB Back pain Numbness/weakness Visions change Difficulty speaking (dysphasia)
How is hypertensive emergency managed?
Need IV medication for quicker effect
- vasodilators, CCB, ß-blocker (labetalol) -> to relax arteries
- GIVE IV NITROGLYCERINE on admission
Intensive care
- Sensible approach on reducing BP is to reduce 25% of BP over first few hours, then slowly over the next 24-48 hours to normal
- A rapid drop in BP should be avoided because it may precipitate cerebral or cardiac ischaemia
What blood tests may be done for end organ damage?
U&Es, GFR - for renal function
HbA1c
Lipid profile
How can damage to the eye be tested and what can be seen?
Fundoscopy
Findings in end organ damage (hypertensive retinopathy)
- Retinal haemorrhages
- Hard exudates
- Papilloedema
How can damage to the kidneys be assessed and what would results show?
Tests:
- Urine dipstick
- Blood tests (U&Es and eGFR - decreased due to damage glomeruli)
Findings in end organ damage (hypertensive nephropathy)
- Haematuria, proteinuria (or both)
- Renal impairment