Reference no: EM133811900

Problem

You are a general practitioner preparing for an annual visit with your 47-year-old patient Raphael. His systemic blood pressure over the last few years (systolic/diastolic: around 145/95 mmHg, resulting MAP: 112 mmHg) has been consistently higher than normal values (roughly 120/80 mmHg and 93 mmHg, respectively). Therefore, last year you diagnosed him with hypertension (high blood pressure), an extremely common chronic health condition. His total peripheral resistance has increased relative to what it was when he was younger and had normal blood pressure. A connective tissue disorder causing chronic narrowing and hardening of systemic blood vessels have caused Raphael's hypertension. Cardiac Inotropes should be LEAST effective at lowering blood pressure. Next, you do a thorough review of Raphael's chart and his prescribed medications. Last year you prescribed him the thiazide diuretic drug chlorthalidone to help control his hypertension. Get the instant assignment help. Diuretic drugs increase the rate that blood plasma is converted into urine and excreted from the body, and are often first-line treatments for patients with hypertension. Why are they so effective at lowering blood pressure?