hypertension Flashcards
what is hypertension?
raised blood pressure
what systolic bp is hypertension?
140mm Hg
what diastolic bp is hypertension?
90mm Hg
why is hypertension difficult to diagnose?
normal for individuals varies
when the measurement is taken
stress eg. doctors office
how is hypertension diagnosed?
3 separate measurements
- sitting, rested
- ambulatory useful- 24/72 hours
what factors contribute to hypertension?
genetics -family history -race gender environmental factors -inactivity -stress -obesity -tobacco -alcohol -age -salt -alcohol pregnancy drugs -non steroidal -corticosteroids oral contraceptives sympathomimetics
what diseased do hypertension increase risk for?
stroke (cerebrovascular accident) coronary heart disease congestive heart failure accelerated hypertension renal damage
what can accelerated atherosclerosis cause?
MI
stroke
peripheral vascular disease
what is essential hypertension?
no medical triggers
what are the rare triggers for hypertension?
renal artery stenosis endocrine tumours -pheochromocytoma -conn's syndrome -cushing's syndrome
what are the signs and symptoms of hypertension?
usually none
headache
transient ischaemic attacks
-mini stroke
what are the indications for further investigation?
young px (<40y/o)
resistant hypertension despite adequate tx
accelerated hypertension
unusual history
what is cushing’s syndrome?
salt and water retention
-excess fluid in circulation
what is renal artery stenosis?
narrowing blood flow into kidney -> autoregulation system thinks bp has dropped -> release renin
renin-angiotensin system causes aldosterone release so water and salt retained
what investigations can be done?
urinalysis serum biochemistry -electrolytes, urea, creatinine serum lipids ECG
