Hypertension

Question 1

What are non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension?

Answer 1

• age (over 60)
• family history (woman under 65, man under 55)
• sex (men and postmenopausal women)
• ethnicity (First Nations, African)

Question 2

What are modifiable risk factors for hypertension?

Answer 2

• stress
• obesity (BMI over 25)
• poor diet (high fat, high sodium)
• sedentary lifestyle
• substance use (alcohol, smoking, caffeine)

Question 3

Why do we care about hypertension?

Answer 3

increases the risk for cardiovascular disease, heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, chronic kidney disease and heart attack (target organ damage)

Question 4

How is hypertension treated?

Answer 4

3-step approach:

1) lifestyle modification
2) medication
3) 2nd medication (usually ACEI and calcium channel blocker)

Question 5

What medications can be used to decreased blood pressure?

Answer 5

• diuretics
• beta blockers
• ACEI
• ARB
• calcium channel blockers
• vasodilators

Question 6

What is the goal of treatment in patients with hypertension?

Answer 6

under 140/90 mm Hg

under 150/90 mm Hg in patients older than 60