Hypertension and the Kidney Lecture

A series of flashcards summarizing key concepts on hypertension and its management, focusing on hemodynamics, risk factors, treatment modalities, and patient care strategies.

What hemodynamic factors contribute to systemic hypertension?

Hypertension results from abnormalities in cardiac output (CO) and/or systemic vascular resistance (SVR).

What distinguishes primary hypertension from secondary hypertension?

Primary hypertension has no identifiable cause and accounts for 90-95% of cases, whereas secondary hypertension has identifiable causes such as renal parenchymal disease or primary aldosteronism.

What are the common risk factors for essential hypertension?

Common risk factors include family history, age, gender, race (higher prevalence in African Americans), physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet.

How does hypertension increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases?

Hypertension can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral vascular disease.

What is the significance of properly measuring blood pressure?

Accurate blood pressure measurements are essential for diagnosing hypertension and effectively managing treatment.

What are the classifications of blood pressure in adults?

Blood pressure categories include Normal (<120/<80 mm Hg), Elevated (120-129/<80 mm Hg), Hypertension Stage 1 (130-139/80-89 mm Hg), and Stage 2 (≥140/≥90 mm Hg).

Which main classes of diuretics are recognized in hypertension treatment?

The three main classes are loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, and potassium-sparing diuretics, each acting at different sites in the kidney.

How do diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers work to reduce blood pressure?

Diuretics promote urine production to decrease blood volume, ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to II to reduce vasoconstriction, and beta-blockers decrease heart rate and myocardial contractility.

What is the recommended initial treatment for hypertension?

First-line agents include thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

What are the blood pressure goals for older adults according to treatment recommendations?

For noninstitutionalized older adults (≥65 years), the goal is to maintain systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg.