Hypertension Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which group of individuals is at higher risk for hypertension after age 70?

Postmenopausal women (correct)

Young adults

Pre-menopausal women

Men

What is the primary cause of secondary hypertension?

Poor diet

Renal or endocrine diseases (correct)

Sedentary lifestyle

Gene expression

Which risk factor is considered non-modifiable for hypertension?

Stress

Obesity

High sodium intake

Age (correct)

Which factor is associated with primary hypertension?

Increased peripheral resistance Signup and view all the answers

Which racial group is identified as being at higher risk for developing hypertension?

African Americans Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the occurrence of primary hypertension?

Complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a contributing factor for primary hypertension?

Renal artery stenosis Signup and view all the answers

Secondary hypertension accounts for what percentage of hypertension cases?

5-10% Signup and view all the answers

What effect does dysregulation of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) have in primary hypertension?

Increased production of angiotensin II leading to vasoconstriction Signup and view all the answers

What impact does overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) have on blood pressure?

Increases heart rate and cardiac contractility Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is an example of secondary hypertension?

Pheochromocytoma Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes endothelial dysfunction in primary hypertension?

Impaired release of nitric oxide leading to increased peripheral resistance Signup and view all the answers

What role does aldosterone play in primary hypertension?

Increases renal sodium and water retention Signup and view all the answers

What physiological change occurs in arteries and arterioles due to increased peripheral vascular resistance?

Increased smooth muscle cell proliferation and fibrosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary consequence of renal dysfunction related to hypertension?

Increased blood pressure from fluid overload Signup and view all the answers

How does excessive aldosterone production impact blood pressure?

It promotes sodium and water retention Signup and view all the answers

What effect does arteriosclerosis have on peripheral resistance?

It increases peripheral resistance due to hardening of vessel walls Signup and view all the answers

What is a non-modifiable risk factor for hypertension?

Age-related arterial stiffness Signup and view all the answers

How can lifestyle factors contribute to an increased risk of hypertension?

Excessive alcohol consumption promotes blood pressure increase Signup and view all the answers

Which dietary factor is associated with a higher risk of hypertension?

High-salt diets Signup and view all the answers

What role does chronic stress play in the development of hypertension?

It elevates sympathetic nervous system activity Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Hypertension

Hypertension is a chronic condition where blood pressure in arteries is persistently elevated.
Classified into Primary (Essential) and Secondary hypertension.

Primary Hypertension

Accounts for 90-95% of cases.
No specific identifiable cause.
Results from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors affecting cardiac output and peripheral resistance.
Contributing factors include:
- Disturbance of auto-regulation of blood flow.
- Excess sodium intake and subsequent renal sodium retention.
- Dysregulation of the RAAS (Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System).
- Increased sympathetic nervous system activity.
- Endothelial dysfunction (impaired nitric oxide release).
- Insulin resistance and inflammation.

Secondary Hypertension

Accounts for 5-10% of cases.
Caused by an identifiable underlying systemic disease or condition that increases vascular resistance or cardiac output.
Examples include:
- Renal disease (renal artery stenosis, renal failure).
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome).
- Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
- Certain medications (e.g., oral contraceptives).
- Obstructive sleep apnea.

Pathophysiology of Primary Hypertension

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Activation: Overactivation leads to vasoconstriction, increased heart rate, and increased cardiac output, raising blood pressure.
Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) Dysfunction: Dysregulation increases angiotensin II production, causing vasoconstriction. Aldosterone promotes sodium and water retention, increasing blood volume and cardiac output.
Endothelial Dysfunction: Reduced nitric oxide production impairs vasodilation, leading to increased peripheral resistance.
Increased Peripheral Vascular Resistance: A key factor contributing to elevated blood pressure.

Disease Transmission

Hypertension is not a transmissible disease.
It results from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Family history is a risk factor.

Risk Factors for Hypertension

Modifiable: Lifestyle factors like excess sodium intake, low potassium/calcium/magnesium intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, and stress.
Non-modifiable: Age, sex, genetics, race.

Secondary Hypertension Risk Factors

Risk factors are related to the underlying systemic disease.

Gender and Hypertension

Men are at higher risk before age 55, but postmenopausal women have a higher risk after age 70.
African Americans are at higher risk of developing hypertension.

Family History and Hypertension

A family history of hypertension increases the risk of developing the disease due to genetic predisposition.

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Description

Test your knowledge on hypertension with this quiz designed for healthcare professionals. Explore risk factors, types, and physiological mechanisms of hypertension, including primary and secondary forms. Answer questions that cover causes, effects, and demographics associated with hypertension.