Clinical Correlates: Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, Heart Failure
Start with the big picture
Hypertension is persistent elevation of blood pressure that can injure the endothelium and increase cardiac afterload. The lesson distinguishes primary hypertension from secondary forms, reviews contributing risks and causes, and links sustained pressure to damage in organs such as the heart, brain, eyes, kidneys, and aorta. Atherosclerosis is presented as plaque formation beginning with endothelial dysfunction and LDL infiltration; risk factors, complications, and the features that make plaques vulnerable to rupture are also covered. Heart failure is introduced through reduced or preserved ejection fraction, common causes, symptoms and signs, and compensatory pathways that contribute to fluid overload and remodeling. The topic also surveys key diagnostic tests and management approaches.
What you'll learn
- Distinguish primary from secondary hypertension and identify associated risk factors and causes.
- Relate chronic hypertension to target-organ damage and initial management approaches.
- Explain atherosclerotic plaque development, vulnerability, and major clinical complications.
- Compare HFrEF and HFpEF and recognize common heart failure findings.
- Summarize heart failure diagnostic tests and major management strategies.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.
