Hypertension Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to hypertension, its causes, mechanisms, and complications.

Hypertension

A condition of consistently elevated blood pressure.

Essential Hypertension

Hypertension with no identifiable cause, affecting 90-95% of cases.

Diastolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Systolic Pressure

The pressure in the arteries during heartbeats, critical for assessing cardiovascular risk.

Renin-Angiotensin System

A hormone system that regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.

Malignant Hypertension

A severe form of high blood pressure that can lead to organ damage within a few years.

Hypertensive Urgencies

Severe elevation of blood pressure without progressive end-organ dysfunction.

Autoregulation

The ability of blood vessels to maintain a consistent blood flow despite changes in perfusion pressure.

Retinal Hemorrhages

Bleeding into the retina, often a sign of severe hypertension.

Cardiac Hypertrophy

Enlargement of the heart due to increased workload, often seen in hypertension.

Vascular Tone

The degree of constriction experienced by blood vessels, influencing blood pressure.

Prostaglandins

Hormone-like substances that mediate vasodilation and vascular tone.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide

A hormone that reduces blood pressure by inhibiting sodium absorption and promoting vasodilation.

Secondary Hypertension

Hypertension resulting from identifiable causes, accounting for 5-10% of cases.

Complications of Hypertension

Health issues that arise from untreated high blood pressure, including heart disease and renal failure.