Designed for Healthcare Professionals & Patients
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Module 1: Understanding Hypertension
1.1 Definition & Classification (ACC/AHA & JNC-8 Guidelines)
Normal: <120/80 mmHg
Elevated: 120–129/<80 mmHg
Hypertension Stage 1: 130–139 or 80–89 mmHg
Hypertension Stage 2: ≥140 or ≥90 mmHg
Hypertensive Crisis: >180/120 mmHg (emergency vs. urgency)
1.2 Types of Hypertension
Primary (Essential) Hypertension: 90-95% of cases, no identifiable cause
Secondary Hypertension: Due to renal, endocrine, vascular, or drug-related causes
Masked & White Coat Hypertension: Ambulatory BP monitoring considerations
1.3 Pathophysiology
Role of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS)
Endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodeling
Sympathetic nervous system overactivity
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Module 2: Diagnosis & Monitoring
2.1 Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques
Correct cuff size and positioning
Home BP monitoring vs. Office BP readings
Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM)
2.2 Investigations for Secondary Causes
Serum creatinine, eGFR, and urine albumin (Renal causes)
TSH, cortisol, and metanephrines (Endocrine causes)
ECG, echocardiography for target organ damage
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Module 3: Pharmacological Management
3.1 First-Line Antihypertensive Medications
ACE Inhibitors (Ramipril, Enalapril) – First-line in young, diabetic, or CKD patients
ARBs (Losartan, Telmisartan) – Alternative to ACE inhibitors
Calcium Channel Blockers (Amlodipine, Diltiazem) – Preferred in elderly & black patients
Thiazide Diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorthalidone) – First-line for volume control
3.2 Second-Line & Add-On Therapy
Beta-Blockers (Metoprolol, Carvedilol) – Indications: post-MI, heart failure
Aldosterone Antagonists (Spironolactone) – Resistant hypertension
Centrally Acting Agents (Clonidine, Methyldopa) – Special situations
3.3 Special Populations
Pregnancy: Methyldopa, Labetalol, Nifedipine (Avoid ACE inhibitors & ARBs)
Elderly Patients: Lower dose, CCBs preferred
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Module 4: Lifestyle Modifications & Non-Pharmacological Management
4.1 Dietary Modifications (DASH Diet)
Reduce sodium intake (<2.3 g/day)
Increase potassium, magnesium, and fiber intake
Limit alcohol and processed foods
4.2 Exercise & Physical Activity
Aerobic exercise: 150 min/week (moderate)
Resistance training: 2–3 times per week
Weight loss goals: 5–10% reduction improves BP
4.3 Stress Management & Sleep Hygiene
Yoga, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy
Addressing sleep apnea and circadian rhythm disorders
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Module 5: Hypertension Complications & Prevention
5.1 Target Organ Damage
Brain: Stroke, hypertensive encephalopathy
Heart: Left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, MI
Kidneys: Hypertensive nephropathy leading to CKD
Eyes: Hypertensive retinopathy (Keith-Wagener-Barker classification)
5.2 Hypertensive Crisis Management
Hypertensive Emergency: Immediate IV therapy (Nicardipine, Nitroprusside)
Hypertensive Urgency: Oral agents, slow BP reduction over 24-48 hours
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Module 6: Hypertension in Special Scenarios
Resistant Hypertension: Evaluation and treatment approaches
Hypertension & Diabetes: Combined management strategies
Hypertension in Young Adults: When to suspect secondary causes
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Module 7: Legal & Paralegal Aspects of Hypertension
Workplace policies for hypertensive patients
Insurance & disability benefits
Awareness of public health policies for hypertension prevention
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Module 8: Case-Based Learning & Certification
Real-world patient cases & treatment decision-making
BP measurement hands-on training
Final assessment and certification
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Would you like a more detailed version with clinical algorithms and patient education resources?