BMI and Blood Pressure

What is the formula for calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI = Weight (kg) / [height (m)^2]

What is the normal range for BMI?

18.5 - 24.9

What are some problems associated with BMI measurements?

BMI does not differentiate between fat and muscle and is less accurate for pregnant patients, the elderly, and bodybuilders.

What percentage of Americans over 18 years old are affected by hypertension (HTN)?

30%

What is the leading cause of death in the US?

Heart disease

What are common symptoms of a heart attack?

Discomfort or pressure in the chest, arm, neck, and may include radiating pain, shortness of breath, and extreme weakness.

What are common symptoms of a stroke?

Troubles walking, dizziness, loss of balance, slurring speech, paralysis or numbness on one side of the body, and severe headache.

What is the normal systolic blood pressure range?

≤ 120 mm Hg

What is the normal diastolic blood pressure range?

≤ 80 mm Hg

What factors can increase blood pressure?

Increased peripheral resistance, decreased arterial elasticity, increased cardiac output, and increased blood volume.

What is the significance of pulse pressure?

Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and is proportional to stroke volume.

What is mean arterial pressure (MAP) and its normal value?

MAP is the average blood pressure in a person's arteries during one cardiac cycle, normally > 60 mm Hg.

What is the relationship between blood pressure and intraocular pressure (IOP) at night?

Blood pressure decreases while IOP increases in most people.

What is the classification of hypertension based on systolic and diastolic readings?

Normal: ≤ 120/80 mm Hg, Pre-Hypertension: 120-139/80-89 mm Hg, Stage 1: 130-139/81-89 mm Hg, Stage 2: ≥ 140/90 mm Hg.

What is 'white coat syndrome'?

Hypertension that occurs only in a clinical setting due to anxiety, with no obvious medical cause.

What are modifiable risk factors for hypertension?

Obesity, smoking, stress, inactivity, diet, and compliance with medications.

What is the recommended action if a patient's blood pressure is ≥ 180/120 mm Hg?

Send the patient to the emergency department if symptomatic or if asymptomatic, monitor closely.

What is the primary (essential) hypertension?

Hypertension with no obvious medical cause, accounting for 90-95% of cases.

What is secondary hypertension?

Hypertension caused by an underlying condition such as kidney disease or endocrine disorders, accounting for 5-10% of cases.

What is the peak age for hypertension prevalence?

61-70 years old

How is blood pressure measured?

Using a sphygmomanometer to record systolic and diastolic pressures.

What is the impact of hypertension on the heart?

It increases the workload on the heart, leading to potential heart disease.

What is the relationship between hypertension and kidney disease?

Hypertension can lead to chronic kidney disease due to increased pressure on the renal arteries.

What is the significance of recording blood pressure in both arms?

To identify any discrepancies that may indicate vascular issues.

What lifestyle changes can help manage hypertension?

Regular exercise, a healthy diet, weight management, and stress reduction.

What is the role of diuretics in hypertension management?

Diuretics help reduce blood volume, thereby lowering blood pressure.