Question

research one of the following:

Hyperlipidemia Hypertension

In your initial post: Provide a brief description of the condition you selected and its symptoms.

Identify medications that are commonly prescribed for its treatment.

Be sure to include both generic and trade names.

Explain how the medication is administered.

Identify diagnostic tests that are performed on patients during treatment of the condition.

Answer 1

HYPERTENSION/ HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Hypertension is a long term condition, in which the blood pressure of a person elevate above 140/90. This may be severe if it reach a stage of 180/120. The increase in blood pressure occur when the pressure in the arteries increases subsequently.

It can be divided into two type:

*Primary hypertension.

*Secondary hypertension.

• Primary hypertension occurs due to nonspecific lifestyle and genetic factors, such as increase intake of salt , high body weight etc.
• Secondary hypertension occurs due to identifiable causes / secondary disease condition, like Kidney disease, hyperthyroidism etc.

SYMPTOMS: It usually have no symptoms. But there are some which consider to be its signs basically for primary hypertension.

• Headache ( in the back of the head , usually in the morning)
• Lightheadedness
• Vertigo
• Tinnitus ( hissing sound in the ear)
• Altered vision
• Fainting episodes

Secondary Hypertension: It shows the features of the underlying medical condition in connection with high blood pressure. For example, if a client have Cushing's syndrome then the symptoms are:

• Truncal obesity
• Glucose intolerance
• Moon face
• Buffalo hump ( usually on the neck and back)

MEDICATION: The first line management for hypertension is :

• Thiazide diurectics
• Calcium channel blockers
• Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
• Angiotensin receptors blockers

Thiazide Diurectics:

a) Chlorthalidone (Hygroton)

it is usually taken once daily in the morning ( orally). It is best to have within 4 hours of bedtime. The usual dosage range from 12.5 - 25 mg/day, which should be administered along with food.

b) Chlorothiazide : (Diuril)

it is available in two forms oral suspension and powder form for injection. The usual dosage range from 0.5 -1.0 g (10 to 20ml) PO/IV qday or 12 hourly.

c) Hydrochlorothiazide: ( Esidrix, Hydrodiuril)

it is usually present in two form capsule and tablet . both should be taken once a day. The dosage are 12.5 mg and 25 mg respectively.

d) Indapamide: (Lozol)

it is available in the form of a table . 12.5 mg per oral is the initial dosage which may increase to 5 mg qAM with in 4 weeks.

e) Metolazone : ( Mykrox)

it is an oral medication which is taken once daily and the dosage is 2.5 to 10 mg and is gradually increased to 20 mg.

Calcium Channel Blockers:

a) Amlodipine : (Norvasc)

it is available in tablet form. The initial dosage is 5 mg /PO

b) Diltiazem : (Tiazac)

it is found in capsule , tablet , injection solution, powder solution .

c)Nefedipine :(Procardia)

it is available in extended release capsule and immediate - release oral capsule.

d)Verapamil : ( Calan)

Immediate release, extended release , capsule and tablet are the route of administration for this drug.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

a) Capoten (Captopril)

it is available in tablet form.

b) Vasotec (enalapril)

it is also a tablet with a dosage of 5 mg / day.

Angiotensin Receptor Blockers

a) Losartan (Cozaar) : it is an oral tablet and dosage is 25 - 100 mg / PO in one or two daily doses.

b) Valsartan (Diovan) : it is available in tablet form its oral solution is discontinued.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS:

• History and Physical examination is the initial methode to point out high blood pressure.
• Proper blood pressure measurement technique .
• If the patient has an underlying cause then it should be screened , for example a client with kidney disease has blood pressure then serum creatinine , urine protein should be assessed to know it in detail.
• Echocardiogram is also done to identify the strain of blood vessels due to elevated pressure.