Hypertension Flashcards

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, leading to serious health complications.

A normal blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg, while hypertension is defined as having a reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher.

Risk factors include age, genetics, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive salt intake, and stress.

Management can include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and in some cases, medication.

Systolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, represented as the higher number in a blood pressure reading.

Normal systolic pressure is generally considered to be less than 120 mmHg.

Diastolic pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats, represented as the lower number in a blood pressure reading.

Normal diastolic pressure is typically considered to be between 60 and 80 mmHg.

Hypertension can lead to chronic kidney disease, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and acute kidney injury due to increased pressure on the kidney's blood vessels.

Stephen Hales was an English clergyman and scientist known for his pioneering work in measuring blood pressure and contributions to plant physiology.

Hemodynamics is the study of blood flow and the forces involved in the circulation of blood throughout the body.

Cardiac catheterization is a medical procedure used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions by inserting a catheter into the heart.

Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that evaluates blood flow through blood vessels using the Doppler effect.

The Doppler effect refers to the change in frequency or wavelength of a wave in relation to an observer moving relative to the wave source.

Echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses ultrasound to visualize the heart's structure and function.

Hemodynamic monitoring involves measuring and assessing blood flow and pressures within the cardiovascular system, crucial for managing critically ill patients.

The Framingham Heart Study is a long-term cardiovascular study that began in 1948 to identify risk factors for heart disease.

The study has significantly influenced public health policies and preventive medicine by identifying major risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Chronic kidney disease is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.

Hypertensive nephrosclerosis is a condition characterized by the hardening and narrowing of the renal arteries due to high blood pressure.

Acute kidney injury is a sudden and severe reduction in kidney function, often caused by uncontrolled hypertension.

Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management are crucial for controlling blood pressure and reducing hypertension risk.

Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential for preventing complications associated with hypertension, such as heart disease and stroke.

Age can influence blood pressure, with older individuals often experiencing higher readings due to changes in blood vessel elasticity and health.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing hypertension, as excess weight can increase blood pressure levels.

The sphygmomanometer is a device used to measure blood pressure, playing a crucial role in diagnosing and managing hypertension.