A patient is diagnosed with hypertension.
What is the initial recommendation for this patient likely to be?

Alpha 1 adrenergic blocking agents have a vasodilating effect and can be used for the management of hypertension. They work by blocking the alpha 1 receptors on the vascular smooth muscle, which normally cause vasoconstriction when stimulated by catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine.By preventing this constriction, alpha 1 blockers lower the peripheral resistance and blood pressure

Choice A is wrong because alpha 3 adrenergic blockers do not exist.There are only two types of alpha receptors: alpha 1 and alpha 2

Choice B is wrong because alpha 2 adrenergic antagonists do not have a vasodilating effect.

They block the alpha 2 receptors, which are located presynaptically on the sympathetic nerve terminals and postsynaptically on some vascular smooth muscle cells.Alpha 2 receptors inhibit the release of norepinephrine when activated, so blocking them would increase the sympathetic activity and vasoconstriction

Choice C is wrong because alpha 1 adrenergic agonists do not have a vasodilating effect.

They stimulate the alpha 1 receptors, which cause vasoconstriction and increase the blood pressure.Alpha 1 agonists are used to treat hypotension and nasal congestion

This range of systolic blood pressure is classified as stage 1 hypertension according to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. Stage 1 hypertension is when blood pressure consistently ranges from 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 mm Hg diastolic.At this stage of high blood pressure, health care professionals are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes and may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or ASCVD, such as heart attack or stroke.

Choice A is wrong because 140 to 159 is the range for stage 2 hypertension, which is more severe than stage 1.

Stage 2 hypertension is when blood pressure consistently is 140/90 mm Hg or higher.At this stage of high blood pressure, health care professionals are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.

Choice C is wrong because 110 to 119 is the range for normal blood pressure.

Normal blood pressure is when systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mm Hg.If your results fall into this category, stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

Choice D is wrong because 120 to 139 is not a valid range for systolic blood pressure.

It includes two different categories: elevated and stage 1 hypertension.

Elevated blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic.People with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control the condition.Stage 1 hypertension, as explained above, is when systolic blood pressure ranges from 130 to 139 or diastolic blood pressure ranges from 80 to 89.

The normal range for systolic blood pressure is less than 120 mm Hg.The normal range for diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mm Hg.