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