Hypertension Flashcards
What is the diagnosing criteria for hypertension?
2 elevated readings, at 2 separate visits, at least one month apart
What are factors that can effect blood pressure?
Stress, smoking, caffeine, exercise
What work up should be done prior to initiating drug therapy for hypertension?
UA, lipid panel, EKG, potassium/calcium/creatine levels (effect blood pressure meds), blood glucose (diabetics should be on an ACE-I), C-reactive protein, homocysteine (protein from meat, elevated levels increase risk of heart disease)
When should follow up from initiation of drug therapy happen?
2-4 weeks depending on BP reading
2 weeks for 160/100
4 weeks for 140/90
What hypertension medications are safe for children?
ACE-I, ARBs, CCBs
What is the mechanism of action for the ACE inhibitors?
They inhibit the ACE enzyme from converting angiotensin 1 to angiotensin 2 which promotes vasodilation and decreases peripheral resistence
What are common side effects of ACE inhibitors?
Dry cough, hyperkalemia, fatigue, dizziness, headache, loss of taste
What is a benefit of ACE-I?
Renal protection by decreasing aldosterone levels
What is the ending of the ACE-I’s?
-pril
Who are ACE-I contraindicated for?
Pregnant patients and patients of child bearing age as they have been linked to teratogenic effects
How often can ACE-I be titrated?
Every 2 weeks, but every 4-6 weeks if preferred
If a patient cannot tolerate an ACE-I, what medication can they be transitioned to?
Angiotensin II Receptor Binders (ARBs)
What is the ending for the ARB’s?
-sartan
What is the mechanism of action of ARBs?
They prevent angiotensin 2 from binding to the receptor site thus promoting vasodilation
What are the adverse effects of ARBs?
Dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, N/V/D, elevated potassium
What labs should be monitored with ARBs?
BUN/Cr, BMP (mainly K+)
How often can ARBs be titrated?
Every 2 weeks but 4-6 is preferred
What is the first line therapy for HTN?
Thiazide diuretics
What is the mechanism of action of the thiazide diuretic?
They prevent reabsorption of Na/Cl in the distal tubule this promoting the excretion of Na, Cl, K+, and water, thus decreasing volume in the body and reducing blood pressure
What are the adverse effects of thiazide diuretics?
Hyponatremia, Hypokalemia, dehydration, hyperglycemia (most common with diabetics), hyperuricemia, hypochloremia
Why should thiazides be cautioned with diabetic patients?
The excretion of Na/Cl/K+ promotes the elevation of glucose and uric acid, thus potentially increasing glucose levels to hyperglycemic states in diabetic patients