Cardiovascular Disease: Hypertension & Heart Failure

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Questions and Answers

Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mmHg.

True (A)

Secondary hypertension occurs in 90% of hypertension cases due to an identifiable cause.

False (B)

Patients with uncomplicated primary hypertension often show noticeable symptoms.

False (B)

The goal blood pressure for patients with chronic kidney disease is less than 130/80 mmHg.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Those with diabetes and hypertension should aim for a systolic blood pressure below 160 mmHg.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Calcium channel blockers are recommended as a first-line treatment option for individuals over 55 years of age or black individuals.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

β-blockers are currently considered the first-line treatment for hypertension across all patient groups.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Methyldopa is the preferred medication for treating hypertension in pregnant patients due to its safe profile.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Heart failure with diastolic failure is characterized by the inability of the heart to pump blood effectively during systole.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thiazide-type diuretics are the preferred type of diuretic for treating hypertension.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exertional dyspnea is a condition where breathlessness is caused by mental stress.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Orthopnea is characterized by difficulty breathing while standing.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND) causes patients to suddenly awaken feeling breathless.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The most common symptom in Class III heart failure is the absence of symptoms during rest.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An echocardiogram can assess the left ventricle's size and function.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A sodium intake of more than 5-6 g salt per day is recommended for heart failure patients.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fluid restriction is always required for all patients with heart failure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Regular low-intensity aerobic exercise is encouraged for stable heart failure patients.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Neprilysin inhibitors are effective because they increase the availability of bradykinin and adrenomedullin.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and β-adrenergic blockers are recommended to be used without any background therapy in heart failure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The combination of neprilysin inhibitors and ACE inhibitors should be avoided due to the increased risk of angioedema.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Sacubitril/valsartan is an example of a neprilysin inhibitor alone that does not require combination therapy.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The updated ACC/AHA guidelines recommend replacing existing ACE inhibitors or ARBs with an ARNI if tolerated.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All patients with stable systolic heart failure should not be prescribed β-blockers if they have a contraindication.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A decrease in morbidity and mortality in heart failure can be achieved only with the use of diuretics.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Hypertension

A condition where blood pressure (BP) is consistently above 140/90 mmHg.

Essential Hypertension

Hypertension with no known cause.

Hypertensive Crisis

A situation with markedly elevated blood pressure (BP >180/120 mmHg).

Hypertension Diagnosis

Diagnosis made after multiple BP measurements on separate occasions.

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Hypertension Treatment Goal

Uncomplicated: <140/90 mmHg; Chronic conditions (e.g., kidney disease, MI): <130/80 mmHg

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First-line antihypertensive agents

Thiazide-type diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and CCBs are commonly used as initial treatment options for high blood pressure.

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β-blockers in hypertension

β-blockers are less often used as a first-line treatment for hypertension unless there's a specific need like angina, as they aren't as effective against major cardiovascular events.

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Hypertension and Diabetes treatment

For patients with both diabetes and high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors or ARBs are often preferred to protect the kidneys and reduce cardiovascular risk.

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Preferred diuretic for hypertension

Thiazide diuretics are the recommended type of diuretic for treating hypertension, as they are often more effective than loop diuretics unless kidney function is significantly impaired.

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Hypertension treatment in pregnancy

Methyldopa is frequently used to treat hypertension during pregnancy due to its long-term safety record. Other options include calcium channel blockers and hydralazine.

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Exertional Dyspnea

Breathlessness that occurs during physical activity.

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Orthopnea

Difficulty breathing when lying flat.

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Paroxysmal Nocturnal Dyspnea

Sudden awakening at night with shortness of breath and a feeling of suffocation.

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Right-Sided Heart Failure

When the right ventricle cannot pump blood effectively, leading to systemic congestion and edema.

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Ankle Edema

Swelling in the ankles due to fluid buildup.

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Echocardiogram

An ultrasound used to assess the heart's size and function.

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Chest X-ray

A medical image used to detect heart enlargement, fluid in the lungs, and other problems.

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ECG

A recording of the electrical activity of the heart.

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Heart Failure (HF) Management

Modifying lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol consumption is crucial in managing heart failure to prevent further deterioration in heart function.

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HF Medication Classes

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, and angiotensin-receptor/neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) have proven benefits in managing chronic heart failure.

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What does Neprilysin do?

Neprilysin is an enzyme that breaks down peptides like natriuretic peptides, bradykinin, and adrenomedullin, all of which have beneficial effects in heart failure.

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How do neprilysin inhibitors work?

By inhibiting neprilysin, these drugs increase levels of beneficial peptides, promoting vasodilation and reducing sodium retention.

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Why combine neprilysin inhibitors with ARBs?

Neprilysin also degrades angiotensin II, so combining it with an ARB blocks both angiotensin II and neprilysin actions, improving heart function.

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ACE Inhibitors in HF

ACE inhibitors such as captopril, lisinopril, and enalapril are recommended in managing heart failure, especially when combined with other heart failure medications.

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Beta-Blockers in HF

Beta-blockers like metoprolol succinate, carvedilol, and bisoprolol are prescribed for stable systolic heart failure unless contraindicated.

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Study Notes

Cardiovascular Disease: Hypertension and Heart Failure

  • Hypertension (HTN): A condition where blood pressure (BP) is consistently above 140/90 mmHg.
  • Essential Hypertension: 90-95% of hypertension cases; no identifiable cause for elevated BP.
  • Secondary Hypertension: Elevated BP with a specific identified cause.
  • Hypertensive Crises: Situations with markedly elevated BP (>180/120 mmHg).
  • Uncomplicated Primary Hypertension: Usually asymptomatic. Most common complications are stroke and myocardial infarction.
  • Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made after averaging two or more BP measurements taken on separate occasions (repeated in weeks).

Heart Failure (HF)

  • Definition: A condition where the heart struggles to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's metabolic needs.
  • Systolic Failure: Inability to pump blood effectively during contraction.
  • Diastolic Failure: Difficulty filling the heart with blood during relaxation; often from reduced ventricular relaxation.
  • Common Underlying Etiologies: Coronary artery disease and hypertension.
  • Clinical Manifestations (Left-sided): Pulmonary congestion (e.g., shortness of breath, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea); edema.
  • Clinical Manifestations (Right-sided): Systemic congestion (especially edema in legs/ankles).

Diagnosis and Investigations

  • Echocardiogram: Used to assess left ventricle (LV) size and ejection fraction (EF). Normal EF is usually above 50%.
  • Chest X-Ray: Used for detecting cardiac enlargement and pulmonary edema.
  • ECG: Used for evaluating other cardiac problems like arrhythmias.

Treatment

  • Desired Outcome: Goal blood pressure values are <140/90 mmHg for uncomplicated hypertension and <130/80 mmHg for those with related conditions.
  • Nonpharmacological Therapy:
  • Weight Reduction (BMI <25 kg/m²)
  • Low-fat/Low-sodium diet
  • Exercise (at least 30 minutes daily)
  • Smoking cessation
  • Pharmacological Therapy (Initial): Drug selection depends on BP elevation and comorbid conditions.
  • Thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers are often used as first-line options.
  • Special Considerations:
  • Diabetes and Hypertension: ACE inhibitors or ARBs may be preferred.
  • Pregnancy: Methyldopa is a suitable choice for most pregnancies.
  • HF: Diuretics, nitrates, and hydralazine (often combined) are common treatments.
  • β-Blockers: Should generally be used cautiously for initial treatment and gradually increased; beta-blockers need careful monitoring (start low and gradually increase dose).
  • ARB (Angiotensin receptor blocker): Can be an alternative to ACE inhibitor in patients with intolerance.
  • Aldosterone antagonists: May be beneficial in patients with severe HF.

Specific Medications

  • Digoxin: Improves symptoms only, not long-term survival in HF.
  • Neprilysin Inhibitors: Are combined with other agents to improve symptoms.

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