Hypertension (Cardiovascular Disease I) Flashcards
What are 4 major causes of cardiovascular disease?
- Hypertension
- Angina pectoris
- Myocardial infarction
- Heart failure
What is hypertension?
Level of blood pressure associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Why is blood pressure measured at home?
Less anxiety which means sympathetic nervous system activity is reduced so a more accurate reading is likely
Describe primary hypertension
- 90-95% of all cases
- Interaction of genes, environment and lifestyle
- Onset in mid 40s +
Describe secondary hypertension
- 5-10% of all cases
- Caused by underlying disease e.g. renal, endocrine etc
- Identify and treat cause
Name 5 benefits of treating hypertension
- Reduce incidence of stroke
- Reduce incidence of heart attack
- Reduce incidence of heart failure
- Reduce incidence of renal failure
- Reduce incidence of retinopathy
Name 2 main lifestyle interventions which can reduce cardiovascular disease
- Blood pressure reduction
2. Cardiovascular risk reduction
Name 3 methods of blood pressure reduction
- Weight reduction
- Reduced salt intake
- Physical exercise
Name 3 methods of cardiovascular risk reduction
- Reduced total and saturated fat
- Smoking elimination
- Diabetes management
Name 4 common anti-hypertensive agents used in clinical practice
- ACE inhibitors / ARBs
- β-adrenoceptor antagonists
- Calcium channel modulators
- Thiazide diuretics
Give 2 examples of an ACE inhibitor drug
- Enalapril
2. Ramipril
Give 2 examples of an ARB drug
- Valsartan
2. Candesartan
What does ARB stand for?
AT₁ receptor blocker
What system do ACE inhibitor and ARB drugs act on?
Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System (RAAS)
What is the function of the RAAS?
Role in maintenance of circulatory volume and blood pressure
What is the function of angiotensin II?
Promotes vasoconstriction
What are 3 functions of aldosterone?
- Secretion
- Prompting sodium retention
- Prompting potassium loss
How does the RAAS function?
- Baroreceptors detect fall in BP
- RAAS activated
- Renin converts angiotensinogen to angiotensin I
- ACE converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II
- Aldosterone stimulation from adrenal gland
What does ACE stand for?
Angiotensin-converting enzyme
What is a secondary function of ACE inhibitors?
Inhibit metabolism of bradykinin
Why is the inhibition of bradykinin metabolism beneficial?
Bradykinin is a vasodilator so reduces vasoconstriction effects of angiotensin II
Name 4 general side effects of ACE inhibitors or ARBs?
- Hyperkalaemia
- Skin rash
- Teratogenicity
- First dose hypotension
Why may the accumulation of bradykinin be a negative side effect?
It can cause a dry cough and in rare cases, cause angioedema
What is a contraindication of using ACE inhibitors or ARBs?
Renovascular disease as vasoconstriction of the efferent arteriole in glomerulus cannot occur, causing filtration pressure to fall off in kidney