Hypertension Flashcards
(94 cards)
When to use a large BP cuff?
If the mid upper arm.circumference is >=33
When taking blood pressure for diagnosing hypertension how many readings should be done?
Take two readings 1-2 minutes apart and use the lowest BP reading or the average of the two
Repeat blood pressure measure on 2 further occasions at least 2 days apart(within 2 weeks if BP>=160/110)
When do you measure three BP readings for the diagnosis of hypertension?
1.If this is the first time BP measurements
2. If the first two readings differ by > 5 mmHg
3. If BP >= 180/110
REMEMBER: THE LOWEST BP READING SHOULD BE USE OR THE AVERAGE BETWEEN THE READINGS
AVOID DIAGNOSING HYPERTENSION ON ONE READING
Outline how the patient should be positioned when measuring BP?
Should be sat with the back against the chair, the arm supported at the level.of the heart and the legs on the floor
No talking should be allowed during the reading
Define hypertensive urgency and list four of its clinical presentation
Urgency is when the BP reading is >=180/110 and there are symptoms with/without target organ damage
Clinical features include: Severe headaches, visual disturbances, dizziness and confusion
Others: Chest pain, oedema and orthopnea indicate TOD.
What is the initial treatment if a patient comes in with a BP of >=180/130?
Considered hypertensive emergency: Give amlodipine 10 mg orally
State why short acting nifedipine is not preferred over amlodipine for treatment of hypertensive emergencies?
Nifedipine can drop the blood pressure too quickly leading to stroke
What should you do if the patient is dizzy after the treatment of hypertensives emergency?
Lie him/her down
If BP<160/100 : Raise the legs
What do you do if the BP measurements fall into different categories of hypertension?
Use the highest reading
AVOID DIAGNOSING HYPERTENSION ON ONE READING
The patient comes in for the first to your office and you find the BP of 135/85, what is your next step?
Assess for cardiovascular risk factors and the decide on frequency of follow up
When should blood pressure be re-measured if the BP is <120/80 and the CVD risk is <10% and there are not CVD risk factors?
After 5 years
When should blood pressure be re-measured if the BP is 120/80-139/89 and the CVD risk is >=10% or there is any CVD risk factor?
Check BP after 1 year
Should Hypertension be diagnosed on the day of measurement for the first time?
Nope, repeat BP measurements on 2 further occasions at least 2 days apart (within 2 weeks if BP is >=160/110)
What is considered mild hypertension?
BP 140/90-159/99
What is considered moderate hypertension?
BP of 150/100-179/109
When should you consider excluding secondary hypertension after the diagnosis of hypertension?
If the patient is younger than 30 years old
List 6 commonest cardiovascular disease risk factors
- Smoking
- Waist circumference of >80 cm in females and >94 cm in males(BMI>25)
- Diabetes which is the most dangerous risk factor
- Hypertension which is the most common risk factor
- First degree relatives had hypertension (Men before 55 and females before 65)
- Total cholesterol>5.2
What should you do immediately after realising the patients BP measurement is >=180/110 without symptoms at their first visit?[3]
- Check the BP size if the person is obese
- Repeat BP readings after the patient rested for 1 hour
- Take at least 3 readings
Define severe hypertension
BP >=180/110 without any symptoms
List 7 things that should be assessed immediately after the diagnosis of hypertension is made.
- Creatinine and eGFR (if eGFR is less than 30 then check potassium as well)
- Depression (In the past month)
- Alcohol/drug use
- BMI and waist circumference
- Urine dipstick
- Cardiovascular disease risk
- Total cholesterol
SCREEN FOR SYMPTOMS AS WELL
List 4 things that should be assessed at every visit on someone suffering from hypertension.
- Symptoms: Any symptoms of heart failure, stroke or ischemic heart disease
- BP control (Check two readings)
- Adherence
- Pregnancy in all child-bearing age group