Essential Hypertension Pathophysiology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the approximate percentage of patients with hypertension that have no singular identifiable cause for their elevated blood pressure?

5-10%

95-99%

90-95% (correct)

10-15%

Which of the following is NOT a common risk factor for developing hypertension?

Decreased salt consumption (correct)

Older age

Family history of hypertension

Obesity

What is the primary hemodynamic feature of essential hypertension?

Decreased peripheral vascular resistance

Increased cardiac output

Increased sympathetic nervous system activity

Persistent increase in peripheral vascular resistance (correct)

Which of the following is a common cause of secondary hypertension?

Polycystic kidney disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary underlying etiology for primary (essential) hypertension?

Complex interactions between multiple genetic and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an inherited cardiovascular risk factor associated with primary hypertension?

Renal artery stenosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary target organ that is typically damaged in essential hypertension?

The heart Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a common symptom associated with the organ damage caused by essential hypertension?

Chest pain Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary physiological mechanism by which the kidneys contribute to the development of essential hypertension?

Increased renin secretion Signup and view all the answers

Which class of antihypertensive medications is considered first-line therapy for the treatment of essential hypertension?

Diuretics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common side effect associated with the use of diuretics in the treatment of essential hypertension?

Hypokalemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely cause of a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure in a patient with essential hypertension?

Pheochromocytoma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key factor in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension?

Increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to essential hypertension?

Increased aldosterone synthesis, leading to increased sodium and water reabsorption Signup and view all the answers

Which structural change in the vasculature is associated with essential hypertension?

Vascular hypertrophy and remodeling Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed mechanism for the central reset of aortic baroreflexes in essential hypertension?

Suppression of central inhibition, leading to increased baroreflex sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential trigger for increased sympathetic nervous system activity in essential hypertension?

Sleep apnea and hypoxia Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of adrenergic receptors in essential hypertension?

Hyperreactivity of $\alpha$-adrenergic receptors promotes vasoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hypertension Risk Factors

Older age (especially >65 years) increases the risk of developing hypertension
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for hypertension
Family history of hypertension is a risk factor
African American race is a risk factor for hypertension
Diabetes is a risk factor for hypertension
Physical inactivity is a risk factor for hypertension
Increased salt consumption is a risk factor for hypertension

Hypertension Etiologic Classification

Primary hypertension (essential hypertension): no singular identifiable cause, accounts for 90-95% of cases
Secondary hypertension: attributable to another cause, accounts for 5-10% of cases

Primary Hypertension

Also known as essential hypertension
Results from complex interactions between multiple genetic and environmental influences
Genetic predisposition: mutations in at least 10 genes (polymorphism and gene mutations)
Inherited cardiovascular risk factors: hypercholesterolemia, DM type II, obesity, microalbuminuria, hyperuricemia, and hypercoagulability

Secondary Hypertension

Caused by another underlying condition or disease
Examples: renovascular, glomerulonephritis, CKI, polycystic kidney disease, renal artery stenosis, and renin-secreting tumors

Pathophysiology

Persistent increase in peripheral vascular resistance resulting in wall thickening or functional vasoconstriction
Increased sympathetic nervous system tone and vasoconstriction
Imbalance of the vasopressor and vasodilator systems
Increased activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system

Symptoms and Complications

Asymptomatic for years, earning it the nickname "silent killer"
Symptoms may appear when damage to organs occurs
Complications include:
- Left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure
- Stroke and dementia
- Nephrosclerosis and kidney failure
- Retinopathy and vision loss
- Systemic blood vessel damage and atherosclerosis

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Description

Test your knowledge on the pathophysiology of essential hypertension, focusing on factors involved in blood pressure control, evolution of symptoms, and associated risks. Explore key concepts from sources like Netter's Cardiology and Medical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.