8.1 Flashcards
(11 cards)
- What is blood pressure and how is it measured?
It is the force of blood against arterial walls, measured as systolic (when the heart contracts) and diastolic (when the heart relaxes).
- What are the classifications of blood pressure levels?
Hypotension (<90/<60 mmHg), Normal (<120/<80), Elevated (120-129/<80), High Stage 1 (130-139 or 80-89), High Stage 2 (>140 or >90), and Hypertensive Crisis (>180 and/or >120), plus isolated systolic/diastolic readings.
- What factors regulate blood pressure?
Cardiac output (heart rate, stroke volume), peripheral resistance (vessel constriction/dilation, neuronal/hormonal influences), and blood volume.
- What defines primary hypertension?
A clinically silent condition (≈90% of cases) without an identifiable cause, but linked to factors such as age, family history, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle.
- What is secondary hypertension?
Hypertension (≈10% of cases) with an identifiable underlying cause, such as renal artery stenosis, adrenal tumors, or RAAS dysregulation.
- How does the RAAS contribute to secondary hypertension?
It increases blood volume and vasoconstriction by releasing renin, angiotensin, and aldosterone, thereby elevating blood pressure.
- What organ damage can result from prolonged hypertension?
It causes fibrotic changes, endothelial damage, left ventricular hypertrophy, and increases the risk of heart failure, stroke, and aortic dissections.
- Why is hypertension often called the ‘silent killer’?
Because it generally has no symptoms until significant, often irreversible, organ damage occurs.
- How prevalent is hypertension worldwide and in Australia?
Over 1 billion people globally have hypertension, with more than 25% of Australians affected.
- What modifiable lifestyle factors are associated with primary hypertension?
Diet (high sodium), stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
- What is the take-home message regarding hypertension management?
Effective management involves identifying and modifying risk factors, monitoring BP regularly, and addressing both primary and secondary causes to prevent organ damage.
