Curriculum

17 Sections
1548 Lessons
100 Days

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U01.01 Biochemistry
This biochemistry review for USMLE Step 1 covers essential topics including metabolism, enzymology, and molecular biology.
126
U01.02 Immunology
Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Immunology with a comprehensive review covering foundational concepts, immune system mechanisms, and key disorders to solidify your understanding and boost exam readiness.
42
U01.03 Microbiology
Review essential microbiology topics for the USMLE Step 1, covering key pathogens, mechanisms of disease, and antimicrobial principles critical for mastering infectious disease concepts.
172
U01.04 General Pathology
Explore key concepts in general pathology essential for the USMLE Step 1. This review covers fundamental principles, disease mechanisms, and clinical correlations to help you excel in your medical exam.
35
U01.05 Pharmacology
Master key pharmacology concepts for the USMLE Step 1 with a focus on drug mechanisms, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and interactions essential for high-yield exam performance.
43
U01.06 Public Health Sciences
Review essential Public Health Sciences topics for the USMLE Step 1, covering epidemiology, biostatistics, health policy, and ethics to strengthen your understanding of foundational public health principles.
53
U01.07 Cardiovascular system
Comprehensive review of essential cardiovascular system topics to help you excel in the USMLE Step 1 exam, covering key concepts from anatomy to pathology.
73
U01.08 Endocrine system
Master essential concepts of the endocrine system for USMLE Step 1, covering hormone regulation, feedback mechanisms, and key disorders to boost your exam readiness.
51
U01.09 Gastrointestinal system
Review key topics in the gastrointestinal system for the USMLE Step 1, covering essential concepts in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology to reinforce your understanding and test readiness.
131
U01.10 Hematology and Oncology
This review covers essential Hematology and Oncology topics for the USMLE Step 1, including hematopoiesis, coagulation, anemias, leukemias, lymphomas, and neoplastic syndromes.
148
U01.11 Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue
Review essential topics for the USMLE Step 1 Musculoskeletal, Skin, and Connective Tissue systems, covering anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology fundamentals critical for exam success.
178
U01.12 Neurology and Special Senses
Master the foundational concepts of Neurology and Special Senses with our USMLE Step 1 review, covering essential topics like neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and sensory pathways.
143
U01.13 Psychiatry
Psychiatry for the USMLE Step 1 focuses on understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of psychiatric disorders, with an emphasis on key concepts like neurotransmitter imbalances, mental health disorders, and pharmacology.
83
U01.14 Renal System
The Renal System review for USMLE Step 1 covers key concepts including renal physiology, nephron function, acid-base balance, electrolyte regulation, and renal pathology, crucial for understanding both normal and abnormal kidney functions.
81
U01.15 Reproductive System
The USMLE Step 1 Reproductive System review covers key concepts in human reproduction, including anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, and common pathologies affecting both male and female reproductive health.
124
U01.16 Respiratory System
The Respiratory System review for the USMLE Step 1 covers key concepts in anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology essential for understanding respiratory diseases and treatments.
61
U01.17 Rapid Review
he USMLE Step 1 Rapid Review covers essential topics across multiple disciplines, providing a concise, high-yield overview to reinforce key concepts and optimize your exam preparation.
5

U01.07.059 Hypertension treatment

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common medical condition that can be classified based on the underlying cause and coexisting medical conditions. Below is an overview of the treatment strategies for hypertension in various clinical contexts, including primary (essential) hypertension, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and pregnancy.

1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension

Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is high blood pressure without a specific underlying cause. Treatment typically includes the following medications:

Thiazide Diuretics
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Dihydropyridine Ca²⁺ Channel Blockers

These medications are used to manage blood pressure effectively by promoting diuresis, blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), and preventing vascular smooth muscle contraction.

2. Hypertension with Heart Failure

Hypertension in patients with heart failure (HF) requires careful selection of drugs that not only lower blood pressure but also improve heart function. The following treatments are commonly used:

Diuretics
ACE Inhibitors / ARBs
β-Blockers (for compensated HF)
Aldosterone Antagonists

Important Notes:

β-blockers should be used cautiously in decompensated heart failure and are contraindicated in cardiogenic shock.
In heart failure, ARBs may be combined with neprilysin inhibitors such as sacubitril for additional benefit.

3. Hypertension with Diabetes Mellitus

For hypertensive patients with diabetes, medications that also offer renal protection are preferred. The treatment includes:

ACE Inhibitors / ARBs
Ca²⁺ Channel Blockers
Thiazide Diuretics
β-Blockers

Important Notes:

ACE Inhibitors / ARBs are particularly protective against diabetic nephropathy.
β-blockers may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is important for diabetic patients to monitor closely.

4. Hypertension in Asthma

Asthma requires careful consideration when choosing antihypertensive medications, as some can exacerbate bronchoconstriction. The following medications are preferred:

ARBs
Ca²⁺ Channel Blockers
Thiazide Diuretics
Cardioselective β-Blockers

Important Notes:

Nonselective β-blockers should be avoided as they can cause β₂-receptor-induced bronchoconstriction, worsening asthma symptoms.
ACE Inhibitors should be avoided to prevent confusion with asthma-related cough.

5. Hypertension in Pregnancy

Managing hypertension during pregnancy requires medications that are safe for both the mother and the fetus. The recommended treatments are:

Hydralazine
Labetalol
Methyldopa
Nifedipine

Mnemonic:

“He likes my neonate.”
This mnemonic helps remember the medications safe during pregnancy.

Table: Treatment for Hypertension in Various Conditions

Condition	Preferred Medications	Key Considerations
Primary (Essential) Hypertension	Thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, Dihydropyridine Ca²⁺ channel blockers	Use of multiple drug classes for efficacy.
Hypertension with Heart Failure	Diuretics, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, β-blockers (compensated HF), Aldosterone antagonists	Caution with β-blockers in decompensated HF and contraindicated in cardiogenic shock.
Hypertension with Diabetes Mellitus	ACE inhibitors/ARBs, Ca²⁺ channel blockers, Thiazide diuretics, β-blockers	ACE inhibitors/ARBs protect against diabetic nephropathy. β-blockers mask hypoglycemia symptoms.
Hypertension in Asthma	ARBs, Ca²⁺ channel blockers, Thiazide diuretics, Cardioselective β-blockers	Avoid nonselective β-blockers and ACE inhibitors due to bronchoconstriction risks.
Hypertension in Pregnancy	Hydralazine, Labetalol, Methyldopa, Nifedipine	Medications safe for both the mother and fetus.

Key Points to Remember:

Diuretics are commonly used across different types of hypertension for their ability to lower blood pressure by reducing fluid volume.
ACE inhibitors and ARBs are crucial in managing both primary hypertension and conditions like diabetes mellitus, where renal protection is key.
β-blockers must be used cautiously in heart failure (particularly decompensated HF) and in asthma, where nonselective β-blockers should be avoided.
Always consider the safety of the fetus in pregnant women when prescribing antihypertensive medications.

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USMLE Step 1 Review Series

Curriculum

U01.07.059 Hypertension treatment

1. Primary (Essential) Hypertension

2. Hypertension with Heart Failure

Important Notes:

3. Hypertension with Diabetes Mellitus

Important Notes:

4. Hypertension in Asthma

Important Notes:

5. Hypertension in Pregnancy

Mnemonic:

Table: Treatment for Hypertension in Various Conditions

Key Points to Remember:

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