40 Questions
What percentage of hypertension cases have no identifiable cause?
95%
What is the typical age range for the onset of primary hypertension?
25-55 years
What system is involved in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance?
Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
What factor is NOT associated with an increased risk of developing primary hypertension?
Regular exercise
What is the result of juxtaglomerular cells detecting low blood volume?
Renin secretion is increased
What is the role of the liver in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system?
Releases angiotensinogen
What is the effect of high sodium intake on renin secretion?
Suppresses renin secretion
What is the relationship between primary hypertension and birth weight?
Low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of primary hypertension
What is the approximate number of times the heart beats in an hour?
4000
What is the main function of cardiac muscle cells?
Contraction
Which of the following circuits has the shortest pathway?
Coronary Circuit
What is the formula for cardiac output?
CO = SV x HR
What is the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle?
Contraction of the chamber and ejection of blood
What is the function of the atrial muscle?
Conducting electrical impulses
What is the purpose of the pulmonary circuit?
To deliver waste products to the lungs
What is the amount of blood ejected from the ventricle in one contraction?
Stroke volume
What is the primary purpose of the Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT)?
To diagnose and assess the severity of coronary artery disease
What is the principle behind Doppler ultrasound?
Bouncing high-frequency sound waves off circulating red blood cells
What is a common symptom of uncomplicated primary hypertension?
No noticeable symptoms
What is a possible indication of a more serious condition in a patient with high blood pressure?
Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeats
What is a possible finding in a cardiopulmonary examination of a patient with high blood pressure?
Abnormal heart rate or rhythm
What is the primary use of Doppler ultrasound in diagnosing cardiovascular conditions?
To estimate blood flow through blood vessels
What is a possible complication of high blood pressure?
All of the above
What is the most common presentation of high blood pressure?
No noticeable symptoms
What is the primary effect of Angiotensin II?
Vasoconstriction
What is the result of chronic exposure to high levels of Angiotensin II on blood vessels?
Thickening and stiffening of the arterial walls
What is the effect of Aldosterone on the kidneys?
Promotes sodium and water reabsorption from the kidneys back into the bloodstream
What is the source of Angiotensin II?
Lungs
What is the effect of Angiotensin II on blood pressure?
Increases blood pressure
What is the cause of secondary hypertension?
Underlying disease or medication or chemical or food related
What is the first step in diagnosing hypertension?
Take a history of the patient
What is an example of a chemical that can cause secondary hypertension?
Amphetamines
What is a predisposing factor for heart failure?
Left ventricular hypertrophy
What is a complication of hypertension?
Myocardial infarction
What is an investigation for primary aldosteronism?
Urinary aldosterone levels
What is a physical feature of Cushing's syndrome?
Hirsutism
What is a complication of renovascular disease?
Renal failure
What is a characteristic of hypertensive emergency?
Severely high blood pressure with organ damage
What is a complication of hypertension?
Atrial fibrillation
What is a finding on peripheral vascular examination?
Distended veins
Study Notes
Heart Structure and Function
- The heart consists of four chambers separated by valves that direct blood flow.
- The heart beats approximately 4000 times per hour and 100,000 times per day.
- Each heartbeat pumps half a cup of blood, with a force sufficient to shoot blood 30 feet into the air.
- The heart's functions are to pump blood and oxygen to the body and deliver waste products (carbon dioxide) back to the lungs.
Heart Circulations
- There are three circulations: pulmonary, systemic, and coronary.
- The pulmonary circuit is a short, low-pressure circulation from the right heart to the lungs.
- The systemic circuit is a long, high-pressure circulation from the left heart to the rest of the body.
- The coronary circuit is the shortest circulation, supplying blood to the heart itself.
Cardiac Muscle and Electrical Cells
- Cardiac muscle cells (myocardial cells) contract to pump blood.
- Atrial muscle cells can conduct electrical impulses and may generate their own impulses.
- Cardiac electrical cells generate and conduct impulses rapidly, with no contractile properties.
Mechanical Function of the Heart
- The cardiac cycle has two components: diastole (chamber filling) and systole (chamber contraction and blood ejection).
- Cardiac output is the amount of blood ejected from the ventricle in one minute, calculated by multiplying stroke volume and heart rate.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Primary hypertension has no identifiable cause (95% of cases) and develops between ages 25-55.
- Contributing factors include genetic and environmental factors, central obesity, lack of exercise, high sodium intake, and more.
- The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
- Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases peripheral resistance, stimulates aldosterone secretion, and contributes to blood pressure regulation.
Diagnosis of Hypertension
- Take a patient history and perform diagnostic tests, such as Doppler ultrasound, to assess severity and diagnose complications.
Clinical Presentations of Hypertension
- High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms (silent killer).
- When symptoms occur, they may include headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
- Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeats can be signs of a more serious condition.
Complications of Hypertension
- Persistent high blood pressure can lead to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, heart failure, kidney disease, peripheral arterial disease, coronary heart disease, and more.
This quiz covers the basics of the cardiovascular system, including the structure and function of the heart, and hypertension. Learn about the heart's anatomy and its incredible abilities.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
