Hypertension Flashcards
WHO defines hypertension as a blood pressure greater than 120/80. True/False?
False
Hypertension is classically BP greater than 140/90
How does eating salt increase blood pressure?
Increases release of aldosterone, which causes salt and fluid retention [part of RAAS]
What are some common causes of secondary hypertension?
Renal disease/stenosis
Endocrine disease
Drug therapy
How can renal disease lead to hypertension?
Reduced renal flow causes excess renin release, ultimately leading to fluid overload
Conn’s syndrome is an endocrine cause of hypertension - what happens?
Excess production of aldosterone, leading to fluid overload
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
Excess production of corticosteroid, usually cortisol
What are the clinicopathological classifications of hypertension?
Benign
Malignant
What is meant by benign hypertension?
Generally “asymptomatic” but this does not take away from the danger it poses and should be treated as aggressively as normal
Every __ mm Hg above diastolic pressure of 85 mm Hg doubles the risk of an MI
10 mm Hg
What blood vessel changes occur in hypertension?
Thickening of media (smooth muscle) layer
Arteriosclerosis (hardened arteries)
Define malignant hypertension
Life-threatening condition where diastolic pressure greater than 130
CVD mortality doubles with every __/__ mm Hg blood pressure increase
20/10 mm Hg
Automated BP-measuring devices can still measure BP accurately even if the pulse is irregular. True/False?
False
Measure BP manually if pulse is irregular
When considering a diagnosis of hypertension, does BP need to be measured in both arms?
Yes
If clinic BP is measured at 140/90, what are the next steps?
Measure again: if different, measure 3rd time and use lowest reading as clinic BP
Then offer ABPM/HBPM to confirm diagnosis