Hypertension and Anti-hypertensives Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing core concepts, pharmacologic mechanisms, adverse effects, and clinical indications for hypertension and antihypertensive medications.

Blood Pressure (BP) Equation

The mathematical equation for blood pressure: $BP = CO \times SVR$, where $CO$ is cardiac output and $SVR$ is systemic vascular resistance.

Cardiac Output (CO)

The total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute, normally ranging from $4$ to $8 tribunal L$ per minute ($4-8\,L/min$).

Stroke Volume (SV)

The volume of blood ejected by the heart during a single contraction or beat.

Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)

The amount of force or resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood through the vascular system.

Primary Hypertension

Also called essential or idiopathic hypertension; high blood pressure without a single identified cause, influenced by multiple risk factors like genetics, age, race, sodium intake, caffeine, and tobacco.

Secondary Hypertension

High blood pressure directly resulting from an underlying issue (such as sleep apnea, endocrine conditions, or pregnancy) that improves when the primary condition is resolved.

Target Organ Damage

Complications caused by chronic hypertension affecting critical organs, including left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure, stroke/TIA, renal failure, retinal vision loss, and peripheral vascular atherosclerosis.

Prazosin

A peripherally acting $\alpha_1$-antagonist that promotes vasodilation and reduces systemic vascular resistance; common adverse effects include orthostatic hypotension, reflex tachycardia, nasal congestion, and sexual dysfunction.

Clonidine

A centrally acting $\alpha_2$-agonist that decreases sympathetic outflow from the CNS, lowers norepinephrine production, and reduces renal renin activity; abrupt cessation causes severe rebound hypertension.

Metoprolol

A cardioselective $\beta_1$-antagonist that delays AV node conduction, prolongs SA node recovery, and lowers contractility; can mask signs of hypoglycemia except for diaphoresis (sweating).

Carvedilol

A dual-action $\alpha_1$-blocker and non-selective $\beta$-antagonist that induces peripheral vasodilation and lowers heart rate and contractility, but risks bronchospasm in patients with asthma.

Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)

A physiological feedback system initiated by renal renin release that generates Angiotensin II and Aldosterone to induce vasoconstriction, increase sodium and water retention, and elevate blood pressure.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

First-line antihypertensive agents (such as Lisinopril and Enalapril) that block the conversion of Angiotensin I to Angiotensin II; they provide renal protection in diabetic patients but are contraindicated in pregnancy.

Angioedema

A life-threatening adverse reaction to ACE inhibitors characterized by rapid swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and upper airway, requiring immediate cessation of the drug.

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)

Antihypertensive drugs (such as Losartan and Valsartan) that prevent Angiotensin II from binding to its receptors, resulting in vasodilation and decreased aldosterone release with a lower incidence of dry cough and hyperkalemia than ACE inhibitors.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

A first-line thiazide diuretic that lowers blood pressure by reducing extracellular fluid and plasma volume via forced urinary excretion of sodium ($Na^+$) and water ($H_2O$).

Reflex Tachycardia

A compensatory increase in heart rate triggered by the autonomic nervous system when blood pressure drops rapidly due to peripheral vasodilators or $\alpha_1$-antagonists.

DASH Diet

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension; a recommended low-sodium dietary plan designed to assist in blood pressure management.