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Flashcards in Hypertension Deck (17)
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1
Q

What are the systolic and diastolic measurements for prehypertension?

A

Systolic: 130-139
Diastolic: 85-89

2
Q

What is isolated systolic hypertension?

A

Systolic = >140 mmHg
Diastolic - <90 mmHg
- Less serious than full HTN, more serious in the elderly
- 1st line treatment = lifestyle modifications

3
Q

What are the systolic and diastolic measurements for hypotension? What is orthostatic hypotension?

A

Systolic: <90 mmHg
Diastolic: <60 mmHg
Orthostatic hypotension: systolic BP decreases on standing by >20 mmHg or diastolic BP decreases by>10 mmHg

4
Q

What are the main symptoms of hypotension?

A

CNS: dizziness, impaired cognition, lethargy + fatigue, visual disturbances
Muscle: paracervical (upper back) ache, general fatigue
Heart: angina (hypoperfusion of heart)

5
Q

What is hypertension? By how much does it increase risk of stroke and cardiac death?

A

HTN = systolic is persistently >140 mmHg and diastolic is persistently >90 mmHg

6 fold increase in stroke and 3 fold increase in cardiac death

6
Q

How does chronic HTN affect the heart?

A

LV thickens, myocardial fibres undergo hypertrophy = increase pressure in systole
Concentric hypertrophy = stroke volume decreased = tachycardia for normal cardiac output
Poor blood supply = ischaemic damage

7
Q

How can HTN affect the eyes?

A

HTN retinopathy
There is arteriolar narrowing and abnormalities –> can result in sight loss
Microaneurysms, blot + flame haemorrhages, cotton wool spots and swelling of the optic nerve

8
Q

What is primary HTN? What % of HTN cases does it account for?

A

HTN where there is no obvious cause

Accounts for 90-95% of all HTN cases

9
Q

What is secondary HTN? What % of HTN cases does it account for?

A

Accounts for ~5% of HTN cases
HTN where there is an obvious cause such as:
- coarctation of the aorta
- renal/renovascular disease
- hypo/hyperthyroidism + parathyroidism
- endocrine disease –> phaeochromocytoma, Cushing’s syndrome, Conn’s syndrome, acromegaly etc
- iatrogenic –> hormonal/oral contraceptives, NSAIDs

10
Q

What are the 3 main causes of HTN?

A
  1. Impaired production of NO - excess vasoconstriction, increased SVR
  2. Elevated renin release (possible kidney damage)
  3. Reduced ANP release –> salt dependent HTN and water retention –> increased blood volume = increased BP –> stretching of atria = reduced ANP
11
Q

What is stage 1 and stage 2 HTN?

A

Stage 1 = 140/90+
- only offer treatment if accompanied by organ damage

Stage 2 = 160/100+
- always offer treatment

12
Q

What is Step 1 of HTN treatment according to NICE?

A

<55: ACE-I or ARB –> Not both

>55 or Afro-Caribb: CCB or thiazide-like diuretic

13
Q

What is Step 2 of HTN treatment according to NICE?

A

CCB with an ACE-I or ARB
If CCB not suitable –> thiazide-like diuretic
Afro-Caribb: ARB preferred with CCB over ACE

14
Q

What is Step 3 of HTN treatment according to NICE?

A

Three drug combination: ACE-I/ARB with CCB and thiazide-like diuretic

15
Q

What is Step 4 of HTN treatment according to NICE?

A

BP remains high after 3 drug combination = resistant HTN

Add 4th antihypertensive/seek expert advice

16
Q

Why are beta blockers not used as part of 1st line treatment for HTN? When might BBs be used?

A
BBs associated with increased risk of diabetes
Used when:
- ACE-I/ARB intolerance
- woman of child-bearing age
- increased sympathetic drive
17
Q

If beta blocker therapy for HTN requires a second drug, what should be used?

A

CCB NOT a thiazide-like diuretic