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

Choice A is wrong because calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are a class of drugs that prevent calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessels, causing them to relax and lower blood pressure.

Examples of CCBs include amlodipine, diltiazem, verapamil, and nifedipine.CCBs are used to treat hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias.

Choice B is wrong because beta blockers are a class of drugs that reduce the heart rate and force of contraction, lowering the cardiac output and blood pressure.

Examples of beta blockers include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, and bisoprolol.Beta blockers are used to treat hypertension, angina, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Choice C is wrong because platelet inhibitors are a class of drugs that prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots.

Examples of platelet inhibitors include aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor, and prasugrel.Platelet inhibitors are used to prevent or treat cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke.

Choice E is wrong because ACE inhibitors are a class of drugs that inhibit the enzyme that converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, reducing the production of this vasoconstrictor hormone.

This is because elevating the legs can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow back to the heart by reducing the effects of gravity.Elevating the legs can also prevent blood from pooling in the veins and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Choice A is wrong because dangling the legs can increase swelling and pressure in the veins, which can worsen peripheral venous disease (PVD) symptoms and complications.

Choice B is wrong because sitting in one position for prolonged hours can impair blood circulation and increase the risk of blood clots, especially in the lower legs.People with PVD should avoid crossing their legs, wearing tight clothing, or sitting for long periods without moving.

Choice D is wrong because standing in one position can also increase swelling and pressure in the veins, which can lead to pain, ulcers, and skin changes.People with PVD should avoid standing for long periods without moving or changing positions.

Some additional information:

Peripheral venous disease (PVD) is a condition that affects blood flow in the veins and arteries outside of your heart and brain.

It can be caused by narrowing, blocking, or spasming of the blood vessels, or by blood clots in the veins.PVD can cause pain and fatigue, especially in the legs, and can lead to serious complications such as gangrene or amputation.

The most common cause of PVD is atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque inside the artery wall.

Plaque reduces the amount of blood flow to the limbs and decreases the oxygen and nutrients available to the tissue.Other causes of PVD may include injury, infection, irregular anatomy of muscles or ligaments, or inflammation of the blood vessels.

The normal range of blood pressure in the veins is about 10 to 20 mmHg.

The normal range of oxygen saturation in the veins is about 60 to 80%.

The normal range of pulse rate in the veins is about 60 to 100 beats per minute.