Questions 1 What is the mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics? Thiazide diuretics act primarily by inhibiting the sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) along the distal convoluted tubule, which is responsible for reabsorbing 5% to 10% of the filtered sodium load…
Questions Direct smooth muscle arterial vasodilators 1 What is a direct smooth muscle arterial vasodilator? Direct arterial vasodilators are blood pressure–lowering medications characterized by a decrease in peripheral resistance mediated by relaxation of smooth muscle in arterioles. Two medications commonly…
Questions 1 How do calcium channel blockers exert their antihypertensive effect? Among the many calcium channels found throughout the body, the “L-type” remains the most clinically relevant. All calcium channel blockers (CCBs), whether classified as a dihydro pyridine (e.g., nifedipine,…
Questions 1 Describe the mechanism of action of antiogensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers? The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays an essential role in the maintenance of blood pressure, and hence drugs that target this system are effective antihypertensive agents. In…
Questions 1 Why is a treatment goal important for hypertension? Hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke worldwide. Epidemiological studies demonstrate that blood pressure (BP) is continuously related to the risk of fatal stroke,…
Questions 1 What is the role of lifestyle modifications in the treatment of hypertension? The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults recommends lifestyle changes…
Questions 1 Why is hyperkalemia important to understand in the management of individuals with hypertension? Hyperkalemia is one of the most common electrolyte disorders encountered and affects a disproportionate number of individuals with chronic hypertension. The incidence of hyperkalemia ranges…
Questions 1 What is the prevalence of resistant hypertension? Resistant hypertension (RH) is an emerging clinical and public health problem with increasing incidence because of increasing life expectancy and the growing global epidemic of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep…
Questions 1 What are the acute aortic syndromes? Acute aortic syndromes (AAS) are a group of emergent aortic pathologies with similar clinical characteristics. AAS occur when blood penetrates the medial layer of the aorta either from a tear or ulceration…
Questions 1 What is the epidemiology of stroke? A stroke refers to the development of focal neurological symptoms such as the sudden loss of movement, sensation, or coordination that arises due to impaired blood flow to the brain or spinal…