Hypertension Flashcards
(12 cards)
- Q: What is the first pathophysiological stage of hypertension?
Initiation Stage – characterized by endothelial dysfunction, early RAAS and sympathetic activation, and salt sensitivity.
Q: What happens to nitric oxide (NO) levels in the initiation stage of hypertension?
Nitric oxide production decreases, impairing vasodilation and contributing to vasoconstriction.
- Q: Which systems are activated in early hypertension?
A: Sympathetic nervous system and the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS).
- Q: What is the second pathophysiological stage of hypertension?
Established Hypertension – persistent BP elevation due to structural vascular changes and maladaptive neural-hormonal regulation.
- What structural vascular change is commonly seen in established hypertension?
A: Vascular remodeling with smooth muscle hypertrophy and increased arterial stiffness.
- Q: What happens to baroreceptors in chronic hypertension?
A: They reset to a higher BP threshold, reducing their ability to regulate pressure.
- Q: What is the third pathophysiological stage of hypertension?
A: Compensatory Organ Changes – chronic high BP leads to target organ damage (heart, kidneys, brain, eyes).
- Q: Name two cardiac changes due to prolonged hypertension.
A: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction.
- Q: What kidney damage is associated with hypertension?
A: Nephrosclerosis, leading to proteinuria and chronic kidney disease.
- Q: What is the final, severe stage of hypertension?
A: Malignant or Accelerated Hypertension – sudden BP rise with acute organ damage.
- Q: What are clinical signs of malignant hypertension?
A: BP >120 mmHg diastolic, retinal hemorrhage, encephalopathy, acute kidney injury.
- Q: What makes malignant hypertension a medical emergency?
A: It causes rapid organ failure and can be fatal without immediate intervention.
