CVS 3 Flashcards
(14 cards)
What constitutes hypertension?
Sustained diastolic pressure more than 90 mmHg and sustained systolic pressure more than 140 mmHg constitutes hypertension.
What are the two hemodynamic variables that blood pressure depends on?
The blood pressure is dependent on 2 hemodynamic variables: Cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance.
What is the role of the kidneys in blood pressure regulation?
The kidneys influence peripheral resistance and sodium homeostasis via the renin-angiotensin system.
What characterizes accelerated or malignant hypertension?
Accelerated or malignant hypertension is characterized by severe hypertension (diastolic pressure more than 120 mmHg), renal failure, and retinal hemorrhage with exudate with or without edema.
What are the key players in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension?
Reduced renal sodium excretion in the presence of normal arterial pressure and vascular changes that may involve functional vasoconstriction and changes in the vascular wall that result in increased resistance represent the key players in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension.
What are the two main factors causing essential hypertension?
1- Genetic factors. 2- Environmental factors like obesity, stress, smoking, physical activity, and heavy consumption of salt.
What is hyaline arteriolosclerosis?
Hyaline arteriolosclerosis is the homogenous hyaline thickening of the walls of the arterioles with loss of the underlying structural details and narrowing of the lumen.
What is hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis?
Hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis is related to more acute or severe elevations of blood pressure (diastolic pressure more than 120 mmHg). It is characterized by onion-skin concentric laminated thickening of the walls of the arterioles with luminal narrowing and fibrinoid necrosis of the walls.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel or the heart. When it involves 3 layers, it is called a true aneurysm.
What are the two most common causes of aneurysms?
The two most common causes are atherosclerosis (ATH) and cystic medial degeneration of the media.
Where are atherosclerotic aneurysms commonly found?
Atherosclerotic aneurysms are commonly found in the abdominal aorta, the common iliac arteries, and the descending part of the thoracic aorta.
What is the major cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
Atherosclerosis (ATH) is the major cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
What is aortic dissection?
Aortic dissection is a catastrophic event whereby blood splays apart the laminar planes of the media to form a blood-filled channel within the aortic wall. This channel often ruptures through the various spaces, causing massive hemorrhage or cardiac tamponade.
What is the morphology of aortic dissection?
An intimal tear is found in the aorta, 5 cm in length. The blood dissects its way within the media either proximally or distally and may extend deep to the iliac arteries. The blood usually finds its way through the adventitia, causing fatal hemorrhage. Sometimes the blood reenters into the blood vessels, forming a double-barreled aorta.
