2 Hypertension Free Online FlashCards

What is hypertension, and why can it go unnoticed?

Hypertension is persistently elevated arterial blood pressure and often causes no symptoms.

Why shouldn’t one routine reading alone diagnose hypertension?

Diagnosis should use properly obtained readings and clinical evaluation, not one routine measurement. Out-of-clinic readings can help identify white-coat or masked hypertension.

What are the normal and elevated blood pressure ranges for adults?

Normal: systolic below $120$ and diastolic below $80$ mm Hg. Elevated: systolic $120\text{–}129$ and diastolic below $80$ mm Hg.

What is the general blood pressure treatment goal?

The general treatment goal is below $130$ mm Hg systolic and below $80$ mm Hg diastolic, with individual considerations for some patients.

What should a patient avoid before a blood pressure measurement?

Avoid smoking, exercise, and caffeine for $30$ minutes beforehand, and empty the bladder before measuring.

How should patients record home blood pressure readings?

Take at least $2$ readings $1\text{–}2$ minutes apart, record them, and share the log with the care team.

Which organs and tissues can long-term uncontrolled hypertension damage?

Long-term uncontrolled hypertension can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, retina, and arteries, causing problems such as heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, or vision loss.

What is the priority response to very high blood pressure with concerning symptoms?

Call emergency services when a repeated reading above $180$ systolic or $120$ diastolic mm Hg occurs with concerning symptoms such as chest pain, weakness, vision change, or difficulty speaking.

When does the guideline recommend blood pressure medication?

Medication is recommended for adults averaging at least $140$ mm Hg systolic or $90$ mm Hg diastolic, and for selected adults at or above $130$ systolic or $80$ diastolic based on health conditions or cardiovascular risk.

What medication-safety advice should patients with hypertension follow?

Take medicines as prescribed even when feeling well. Consult a clinician before stopping or changing a dose, and ask a clinician or pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines or supplements.

What readings fall into stage 1 hypertension?

Stage $1$ hypertension is systolic $130\text{–}139$ mm Hg or diastolic $80\text{–}89$ mm Hg.

What readings fall into stage 2 hypertension?

Stage $2$ hypertension is systolic at least $140$ mm Hg or diastolic at least $90$ mm Hg.