Hypertension Mnemonics | Drugs & Secondary Causes

Hypertension, commonly referred to as HTN, is a long-term medical condition where blood pressure levels in the arteries remain elevated, causing the heart to pump harder to circulate blood effectively.

Given its widespread prevalence and potential health risks like Atrial fibrillation (AF), understanding the key concepts of hypertension is essential for both patients and healthcare professionals.

In this guide, we'll break down hypertension using easy-to-remember mnemonics, making it simpler to recall important details and enhance your knowledge on this critical condition.

Mnemonics for Hypertension Drugs

Treating hypertension often involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

For healthcare professionals, remembering the various drug classes and their functions can be challenging.

Below are easy-to-remember mnemonics for hypertension drugs and their key characteristics.

ABCD Mnemonic for Antihypertensive Drug Classes

The ABCD mnemonic stands for:

• A: Arterial/Venous Dilators (e.g., hydralazine, nitrates)
• B: Beta-Blockers (e.g., atenolol, propranolol)
• C: Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., amlodipine, nifedipine)
• D: Diuretics (e.g., thiazides, loop diuretics)

Mnemonics for Hypertension Medications

1. Diuretics: "Ditch the Fluid"

Diuretics help "ditch" excess fluid to lower blood pressure.

• Dry out excess fluid (reduce fluid volume)
• Inhibit sodium reabsorption
• Types: Thiazides, Loop, Potassium-sparing
• Chance of electrolyte imbalance (watch potassium)
• Hypertension first-line treatment

Examples of Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide, Furosemide, Spironolactone

2. ACE Inhibitors: "ACE Your Heart Health"

ACE inhibitors help your heart perform like an A+ student.

• Angiotensin II reduced
• Controls blood pressure by relaxing vessels
• Enhances kidney protection in diabetes

Examples of ACE Inhibitors: Lisinopril, Ramipril, Enalapril

3. ARBs: "A Rebel Blocker"

ARBs act like rebels, blocking angiotensin II from causing constriction.

• Action on AT1 receptors blocked
• Reduces blood pressure
• Better tolerated than ACE inhibitors (less cough)

Examples of ARBs: Losartan, Valsartan, Candesartan

4. Beta Blockers: "Brake for the Heart"

Beta blockers put the "brakes" on heart activity.

• Bradycardia (slower heart rate)
• Reduces cardiac output
• Anti-arrhythmic properties
• Keep renin secretion in check
• Effective in angina and post-MI

Examples of Beta Blockers: Atenolol, Metoprolol, Propranolol

5. Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers: "Calm the Flow"

These drugs calm and widen blood vessels, helping blood flow smoothly.

• Calcium influx blocked
• Arterial relaxation
• Lowers blood pressure
• Minimizes angina symptoms

Examples of Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers: Amlodipine, Nifedipine, Clevidipine

Mnemonics for Secondary Causes of Hypertension

Secondary hypertension arises from underlying medical conditions rather than primary blood pressure issues.

The most common causes include renovascular hypertension, renal disease, aldosteronism, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Understanding these key contributors is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Identifying Secondary Causes of Hypertension

Secondary hypertension, which affects only 5 to 10 percent of individuals with high blood pressure, is caused by underlying, often correctable conditions.

Healthcare providers can use the ABCDE mnemonic to identify possible secondary causes:

• A – Accuracy: Ensure accurate blood pressure measurements.
• A – Apnea (Obstructive Sleep Apnea): Screen for sleep-disordered breathing.
• A – Aldosteronism: Check for elevated aldosterone levels.
• B – Bruits: Listen for renal artery bruits, which may indicate renal artery stenosis.
• B – Bad Kidneys (Renal Parenchymal Disease): Assess for chronic kidney disease.
• C – Catecholamines: Rule out pheochromocytoma or conditions causing catecholamine excess.
• C – Cushing’s Syndrome: Evaluate for signs of cortisol excess.
• C – Coarctation of the Aorta: Check for congenital narrowing of the aorta.
• D – Drugs: Assess for medications that may raise blood pressure.
• D – Diet: Evaluate sodium and alcohol intake.
• E – Erythropoietin (Excess): Check for elevated erythropoietin levels.
• E – Endocrine Disorders: Investigate thyroid and parathyroid abnormalities.

Common Secondary Causes of Hypertension

Common secondary causes of hypertension can be remembered with the “REMEDY” mnemonic:

• R – Renal disease: Chronic kidney disease, renal artery stenosis.
• E – Endocrine disorders: Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, pheochromocytoma.
• M – Medications: Steroids, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives, licorice.
• E – Excess weight: Obesity, metabolic syndrome.
• D – Diet-related factors: High sodium intake, alcohol consumption.
• Y – Young pregnancy complications: Pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia.

Endocrine causes of hypertension

Recall some common endocrine causes of hypertension using the mneomnic "CASH":

• C – Cushing’s syndrome
• A – Aldosteronism (Hyperaldosteronism)
• S – Somatotroph adenoma
• H – Hyperthyroidism