Hypertension and Atherosclerosis Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is Hypertension
Involves the consistent elevation of blood pressure above nornal levels
When can we consider a person to be hypertensive
The readings must be shown two or more times on seperate occasions
What is primary hypertension
High blood pressure without an underlying cause
What causes primary hypertension
Can be caused by genetics, stress, diet, obesity
What is secondary hypertension
High blood pressure caused by an identifiable cause
What causes secondary hypertension
Vasoconstriction, renal and water retention, angiotensin, etc.
What non pharmacological treatments are used for hypertension
- Reducing sodium intake
- Stopping cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- weight loss
- Reduced stress level
How do diuretics help hypertension
Reduces fluid load which reduces the volume of intravascular fluid
How do beta blockers help hypertension
Slows down heart reducing cardiac output
How do calcium channel blockers help hypertension
Block calcium entering the cells in heart causing them to relax reducing the workload of the heart
How do ACE inhibitors help hypertension
Prevents ACE enxyme from producing angiotensin II which narrows blood vessels
What is Atherosclerosis
A condition where the walls of the arteries harden due to lipid accumulation
How does atherosclerosis begin
Begins with the damage of the endothelial wall, usually caused by an irritant
What are the three main irritants causing atherosclerosis
- Lipids (LDL Cholesterol)
- Toxins (Cigarette smoke)
- Hypertension (Chronic hypertension)
What happens when the endothelium becomes damaged
LDL cholesterol will build up under the damaged endothelium
What happens after LDL cholesterol has built up
Eventually it oxidizes triggering an inflammatory response and the release of monocytes
What do the monocytes do
They enter the wall of cholesterol in an atempt to break it up. Once inside they convert to macrophages
What do the macrophages do
They engulf the LDL cholesterol until it becomes so full of cholesterol until it dies
What happens to dead macrophages
They become foam cells which will release cytokines that call in other monocytes to restart
How are fatty streaks formed
Over time dead macrophages and LDL cholesterol build up forming fatty streaks
What is a fibrous cap
When smooth muscle covers the fatty streak with collagen and fibrous tissue
What makes the plaque harder
Smooth muscles secreting calcium in response to macrophage signals
