Week 1: Hypertension

Question 1

What is hypertension?

Answer 1

Hypertension is a sustained elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure of >140mmHg systolic and >80mmHg

Question 2

What is isolated systolic hypertension?

Answer 2

a sustained elevation in systolic blood pressure equal or greater to 140mmHg with a diastolic blood pressure reading of less than 90

Question 3

What is primary hypertension?

Answer 3

Primary hypertension is elevated blood pressure which accounts for 90 to 95% all cases of hypertension.

Question 4

What is secondary hypertension?

Answer 4

Secondary hypertension is elevated blood pressure with a specific cause that often can be identified and corrected

Question 5

What are some causes of secondary hypertension?

Answer 5

• coarctation or congenital narrowing of the aorta
• renal disease
• endocrine disorders such as Cushing syndrome
• Nero logical disorders such as brain tumors for head injury
• Sleep apnea
• medication

Question 6

What is the hemodynamic hallmark of hypertension?

Answer 6

The most prominent feature of hypertension is an elevated SVR (systemic vascular resistance)

Question 7

What is systemic vascular resistance?

Answer 7

Systemic vascular resistance is a force opposing the movement of blood within the left ventricle. The left ventricle ejects blood through the aortic valve against the high pressure of the systemic circulation, also known as systemic vascular resistance (SVR).

For example, if the blood vessels tighten or constrict, SVR increases, resulting in diminished ventricular compliance, reduced stroke volume and ultimately a drop in cardiac output.1 The heart must work harder against an elevated SVR to push the blood forward, increasing myocardial oxygen demand. If blood vessels dilate or relax, SVR decreases, reducing the amount of left ventricular force needed to open the aortic valve. This may result in more efficient pumping action of the left ventricle and an increased cardiac output.

Question 8

What are the clinical manifestations of hypertension?

Answer 8

There are no CM of hypertension. Hypertension only presents itself when it becomes severe and target-organ disease has occurred

Question 9

What are some treatment options for HTN?

Answer 9

• Antihypertensive medications
• Diet
• Exercise
• Reduce sodium intake
• Reduced coffee intake
• Smoking cessation