Lecture 1: Intro/HTN Flashcards
What is the definition of hypertension?
Elevated force of blood against ARTERIAL walls.
Requires the average of 2+ accurate, seated readings, in 2 separate visits.
Exception: HTN crisis/emergency
Quantitative measurement.
What measurements are indicative of stage 1 hypertension per ACC/AHA criteria?
S: 130+
D: 80+
Either measurement must be present.
What measurements are indicative of stage 2 hypertension per ACC/AHA criteria?
S: 140+
D: 90+
Either measurement must be present.
What measurements are indicative of normal BP per ACC/AHA criteria?
S: < 120
D: < 80
Both must be present.
Having a diastolic > 80 indicates hypertension.
What measurements are indicative of elevated BP per ACC/AHA criteria?
S: 120-129
D: < 80
Both must be present.
Having a diastolic > 80 indicates hypertension.
Why does systolic BP rise in older patients > 60?
Arterial stiffness
What typically causes increases in systolic and diastolic in younger patients under 50?
- Hormonal activation
- OSA
What is the primary cause of isolated systolic HTN in older patients? Younger patients?
- Older: arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis
- Young: athletic males with high SV
In a younger patient who presents with a BP of > 140/90, what workup is needed?
- Obtain history first, as lifestyle modifications can make big changes in a younger patient.
- Medications may be needed if patient refuses modifications.
Which BP number is preferred as a predictor of long-term complications?
- In younger patients < 45: DBP.
- In older patients > 60: SBP.
Systolic can be influenced by many factors in younger patients that can be modified prior to arterial stiffness.
What is white coat hypertension and the recommendations?
- 140/90 in the office, but consistently lower at home.
- More common in older patients.
- If it is consistently within range at home, no treatment is recommended; but long-term monitoring is recommended.
What is masked HTN and recommendation regarding treatment?
- Reverse of white coat HTN.
- Elevated at home but normal in office.
- Recommended to treat once history is obtained.
Generally due to erroneous measuring.
Often influenced mainly by lifestyle changes.
What is pseudohypertension?
- Calcification of peripheral vessels in elderly patients that results in falsely elevated BP.
- Often results in symptomatic OVERTREATMENT.
Extremely rare
Usually requires arterial line BP monitoring.
Patients will often complain about feeling dizzy and lightheaded even with elevated BP. (Hypotensive symptoms)
What is the primary concern with hypertension?
- One of the most chronic common conditions present in all populations.
- It is a MAJOR risk factor for the 1st and 5th leading causes of death in the US (Heart Disease, Stroke)
How does DBP tend to change as we age?
Increases until age 55, then begins to decrease.
Wide PP after age 60.
What demographic is most susceptible to HTN?
Non-hispanic Blacks
Mainly due to anatomical kidney differences.
First-line treatment of this population for HTN generally is CCBs or Thiazides, NOT ACEIs or ARBs.
How prevalent is HTN in adults > 65?
77%
How is BP calculated?
CO x SVR
How does HTN tend to present in younger patients if due to SNS hyperactivity?
- Tachycardia
- HTN
- Elevated CO
What is natriuresis and its relation to HTN?
- Natriuresis is the excretion of sodium via urine.
- A defect in natriuresis results in an inability to excrete sodium, resulting in fluid retention and HTN.
How do defects in vasculature elasticity affect HTN?
Inability to match peripheral vessel elasticity or vice versa results in increased risk of developing HTN in life.
What is the secondary effect of elevated intracellular sodium on HTN?
Also increases intracellular calcium, which increases vascular smooth muscle tone. (Increases SVR)
Why can NSAID use result in HTN?
It acts upon the same receptors as some antiHTNs.
Describe how a patient should be positioned for an accurate blood pressure reading.
- Seated with supported back
- Arm supported at heart level
- BP Cuff over bare arm
- No talking
- Legs uncrossed
- Feet supported and resting on a surface
- Empty bladder prior to BP measurement.
What is the primary purpose of a physical in regards to HTN?
Looking for target organ damage.
What are the complications that can result from HTN?
- Structural and functional changes in the heart.
- Increased risk of thrombosis
- Increased morbidity and mortality
- Target-organ damage
6mm Hg increases in DBP doubles morbidity and mortality
What are the 5 primary organs most affected by HTN?
- Heart
- Brain
- Kidneys
- Peripheral vessels
- Eyes
What are the 3 primary complications of untreated LVH?
- Diastolic HF
- Myocardial Ischemia
- Ventricular arrhythmias
What are the S/S associated with LVH?
- Dyspnea and edema
- Palps/CP
- LV heave or S4 gallop
- LVH on EKG
S4 is the atrial gallop, suggestive of left ventricular stiffness.
Delayed diastolic filling of the ventricle.
What common cerebrovascular disease has increased risk due to HTN? What is the caveat in treating HTN?
Dementia. However, if microvasculature is already noted, then BP control will worsen outcomes.
What renal condition more common in black patients due to HTN?
Nephrosclerosis
What findings are common in HTN retinopathy?
- Retinal artery stenosis/occlusion
- Exudates
- Cotton-wool spots
- Retinal hemorrhages
What vascular complications are associated with HTN?
- Atherosclerosis: hardening/narrowing of arteries
- Aortic aneurysm/dissection
List some lifestyle modifications that can help manage HTN.
- Weight reduction
- DASH diet
- Dietary sodium restriction
- Physical Activity
- Moderate alcohol consumption
If CKD is present in a patient, what first-line treatment is generally contraindicated?
Thiazide diuretics.
In what high risk conditions are ACEIs contraindicated for HTN management?
None.
When is pharmacological treatment indicated for HTN management?
- Stage 1 HTN w/ 10%+ ASCVD risk
- Stage 2 (>= 140 or >= 90)
What is the goal BP for all patients per ACC/AHA guidelines?
< 130/80.
What first-line antiHTNs are generally not recommended in African-American patients?
ACEIs/ARB
What type of CCB is preferred as an antiHTN and what is the most common SE?
DHP-CCB with lower extremity edema.
Amlodipine
Dilation of peripheral vasculature.
Non-DHP = central.
What are the main advantages of ACEI in HTN management?
- Helps prevent progression to ESRD
- Minimal SEs
What patient counseling should be provided to someone being initiated on ACEI for HTN management?
- Dry cough or skin rashes (requires stoppage of drug)
- Angioedema (dangerous SE)
- Hyperkalemia or hypotension in those with severe renal disease
- Should not be taken when pregnant due to reduced perfusion to fetus.
What conditions are ARBs generally good in for HTN management?
- HF
- T2DM w/ nephropathy
What conditions are ACEIs generally good in for HTN management?
- HF
- Post-MI
- High ASCVD risk
- DM
- CKD
- Stroke prevention
All of them.
In what high-risk conditions are CCBs indicated for in HTN management?
- High ASCVD risk
- DM
Stroke trials: ALLHAT and systolic hypertension in Europe demonstrated protective effects compared to diuretics.
What are the most common SEs associated with CCBs?
- HA
- Peripheral edema
- Bradycardia
- Constipation
In what condition are CCBs generally CId in? What CCB is the only exception?
HF.
Amlodipine is the only CCB that has established safety in patients with severe HF.
Why are thiazide diuretics preferred over loops in regards to HTN management?
- Longer duration
- Minimal effects on electrolyte and fluid levels
- Primarily lowers peripheral vascular resistance long-term.
- Best on people with high plasma volumes or low PRA
Administration of what drug classes with CCBs can help reduce edema?
ACEIs or ARBs
When is spironolactone generally indicated in regards to HTN management?
Adjunct therapy for refractory HTN
What conditions alongside HTN would make BBs preferred therapy?
- Angina pectoris
- Previous MI
- Sinus Tachycardia
- Stable HF
- Migraines
What happens to selectivity of BBs in high dosages?
All of them become non-selective.
What BBs can be used in HF and HTN?
- Metoprolol
- Bisoprolol
- Carvedilol
In what population are BBs commonly most effective?
Those with high PRA.
Young white patients mainly.
What is the main concern with alpha antagonist use in HTN management?
Tachyphylaxis
What is the MOA of clonidine and guanfacine?
Central alpha-adrenergic agonists.
Reduces efferent peripheral sympathetic outflow via the CNS.
What are the main SEs associated with central sympathomimetic agents like clonidine?
- Sedation
- Xerostomia
- Postural hypotension
- ED
- Rebound HTN
When are peripheral sympathetic inhibitors like reserpine typically indicated?
Refractory HTN
Many psychiatric SEs.
What is the main concern with using arteriolar dilators like hydralazine or minoxidil?
- Reflex tachycardia
- Positive inotropic effect
- HA
- Palps
- Fluid retention
What is the secondary FDA-approved use for minodixil besides HTN?
Topical minoxidil is approved for hair loss treatment.
Only topical is FDA approved, not oral.
In general, what are the first-line treatments for HTN management?
- ACEI/ARB
- CCB
- Thiazides
BBs can be used as well, but only reserved for HF and angina.
For a younger patient with HTN, what drug is typically preferred first-line and what drug is NOT recommended?
- Preferred: CCBs
- Not Recommended: Diuretics
What is the mnemonic for HTN management?
ABCD
AB refers to ACEI/ARB and BBs, which work on RAAS.
CD refers to CCBs and Diuretics, which work on other systems.
In general, what two demographics typically have the same preferred HTN management algorithm?
Black people and those over 55.
CCB and diuretics are preferred first-line.
If a black person presents with severe kidney dysfunction, what drugs can be used first-line for HTN?
Loop diuretics are preferred in severe kidney dysfunction over thiazides.
CCBs can be used as well.
What generally falls under second-line HTN management?
Vasodilating BBs.
ACEIs and ARBs can also be indicated for black patients or those over 55 since it is not preferred as first-line.
In general, what is the preferred first-line antiHTN for people with DM or CKD?
ACEI
If a black patient needs to be prescribed an ACEI or ARB, what is preferred and why?
ARB is preferred due to the increased risk of developing angioedema and cough in black patients.