Understanding Hypertension

These flashcards cover essential terms and definitions related to hypertension, including its diagnosis, risk factors, pathogenesis, and treatment options.

Hypertension

A condition where blood pressure readings are consistently higher than normal, specifically systolic pressure above 140 mmHg and diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg.

Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)

The average pressure in the aorta throughout a complete cardiac cycle, calculated as MAP = CO x TPR.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The volume of blood ejected from the left ventricle in one minute.

Total Peripheral Resistance (TPR)

The cumulative resistance of all blood vessels in the systemic circulation.

Essential Hypertension

Hypertension without a clear cause, accounting for 90-95% of cases. It is controllable but not curable.

Secondary Hypertension

Hypertension caused by an underlying disease, such as renal parenchymal disease or renovascular disease.

Pre-Eclampsia

A pregnancy-related condition characterized by hypertension and proteinuria, typically occurring in the third trimester.

Risk Factors of Hypertension

Factors such as age, race, excessive sodium intake, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and obesity that can increase the likelihood of developing hypertension.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels, which increases vascular resistance and can lead to elevated blood pressure.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure by affecting blood volume and vascular resistance.

Endothelial Dysfunction

A condition where the endothelium (inner lining of blood vessels) malfunctions, leading to reduced nitric oxide production and increased vascular resistance.

Beta-1 Blockers

Medications that block beta-1 receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate and cardiac output, used to treat hypertension.

ACE Inhibitors

Medications that inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme, blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, leading to decreased blood pressure.

Malignant Hypertension

A severe form of hypertension that is life-threatening, characterized by rapid blood pressure increases and end-organ damage.

Clinical Uses of Beta Blockers

Medications used to manage hypertension, angina, and myocardial infarction.