Hypertension and Blood Pressure Measurement Quiz

• Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure is consistently elevated above the normal range.
• The main cause of hypertension is increased cardiac output and/or increased peripheral resistance.
• Hypertension is often asymptomatic, which is why it is also called the ‘’silent killer’’ – many people who have hypertension don’t even know they have it.
• The optimal blood pressure is around 115/75mmHg, but higher blood pressures increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• There are different cut-off values for hypertension depending on where the measurement is taken, but the goal is to reduce mortality and morbidity caused by hypertension in a cost-efficient manner.
• There are two main measurement methods for hypertension – direct methods and indirect methods.
• The indirect method, auscultation, is used to measure BP indirectly by measuring the murmur produced when the brachial artery is depressed.
• The indirect method has two threshold values – the first when the pressure is lowered below the systolic pressure and the second when the pressure is lowered below the diastolic pressure.
• In general, the lower the BP, the lower the cut-off value.
• Hypertension is a common condition and can be treated with lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both.

Test your knowledge of hypertension and blood pressure measurement with this quiz. Learn about the causes, measurement methods, optimal blood pressure, and treatment of hypertension.