Lecture Notes: Atherosclerosis and Hypertension

Introduction

Definition: Buildup of plaque on arterial walls
Consequences: Plaques can impair blood flow, rupture causing thrombus/embolus, leading to myocardial infarction or stroke
Risk Factors:
- Older age
- Immobility
- Smoking
- Increased cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Stress
Symptoms & Diagnosis:
- May include hypertension due to narrowed arterial lumen
- Possible bruits due to turbulent blood flow
- Elevated LDL and triglycerides in labs
Treatment & Management:
- Cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g., statins)
- Lifestyle changes: Quit smoking, lose weight, exercise, heart-healthy diet

Definition: High blood pressure
Pathophysiology: Increased peripheral resistance and/or cardiac output
Consequences: Can cause heart and blood vessel damage, increasing risk of MI or stroke
Types:
- Primary (Essential) Hypertension: Risk factors include family history, high sodium intake, obesity, smoking, stress, hyperlipidemia
- Secondary Hypertension: Caused by medications or diseases (e.g., kidney disease, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma)
Signs & Symptoms:
- Often asymptomatic
- Hypertensive crisis symptoms: headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness
Diagnosis:
- Based on blood pressure readings from two or more visits
- Thresholds vary by source (AHA: >130/80 mmHg, Joint National Committee: >140/90 mmHg)
Treatment:
- Diuretics to decrease cardiac output
- Antihypertensives: Calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors
- Lifestyle changes: DASH diet, weight loss, stress reduction, smoking cessation, limit alcohol, regular blood pressure monitoring

Fill-in-the-Blank: A buildup of plaque on the arterial walls is called atherosclerosis.
True/False: Individuals with hypertension are typically asymptomatic. True.
Short Answer: An individual with a history of hypertension complains of headache, chest pain, and shortness of breath. What complication does the nurse suspect? Hypertensive crisis.