CHS Diagnosis and Evaluation

Question 1

Which method is considered the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Answer

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension because it provides multiple blood pressure readings over a 24-hour period, both during activity and sleep. This method offers a more accurate representation of a patient's typical blood pressure, helps identify "white-coat hypertension" or "masked hypertension," and correlates better with cardiovascular outcomes than single office measurements.

Question 2

What is the diagnostic threshold for hypertension based on office BP readings?

Accepted Answer

≥130/80 mmHg

Answer

According to current guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC), hypertension is diagnosed when a person consistently has office blood pressure readings of ≥130 mmHg systolic or ≥80 mmHg diastolic. This threshold was lowered from previous guidelines to identify and manage elevated blood pressure earlier, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Question 3

Which laboratory test helps evaluate for secondary hypertension due to kidney dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

Serum creatinine

Answer

Serum creatinine is a crucial laboratory test for evaluating kidney function, as it measures a waste product filtered by the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels indicate impaired kidney function, which is a common cause of secondary hypertension due to the kidneys' role in regulating blood pressure through fluid balance and hormone production.

Question 4

Which imaging study is useful for evaluating renal artery stenosis?

Accepted Answer

Renal duplex Doppler

Answer

Renal duplex Doppler is an ultrasound-based imaging study that specifically assesses blood flow in the renal arteries. It is highly effective in detecting narrowing (stenosis) of these arteries, which is a common cause of secondary hypertension by reducing blood flow to the kidneys.

Question 5

Which of the following is a common cause of secondary hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Primary aldosteronism

Answer

Primary aldosteronism is a common endocrine cause of secondary hypertension, characterized by excessive production of aldosterone by the adrenal glands. This excess hormone leads to increased sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, resulting in fluid retention and elevated blood pressure independent of the renin-angiotensin system.

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

CHS Diagnosis and Evaluation