Medical Rationale

Concomitant use of a Beta-blocker (BB) with a RAAS blockade prevents which of the following?

• Bradycardia

• Angiotensin II overproduction

• Renin upregulation

• Potassium excretion

In patients receiving ARBs/ACE inhibitors and diuretics, what prevents the threefold renin induction?

• Calcium channel blockers

• Beta-blockers

• ARBs

• Vasodilators

The combination of a Beta-blocker and an ACE inhibitor/ARB is considered effective because it provides:

• Only arterial vasodilation

• Comprehensive neuroendocrine blockade

• Pure heart rate reduction

• Only afterload reduction

Hypertension can be effectively controlled by combining a Beta-blocker with an ARB because:

• They both act on the same receptor

• They provide comprehensive neuroendocrine blockade

• They increase renin secretion

• They both reduce potassium levels

Optimal control of hypertension due to sympathetic overdrive requires:

• A calcium channel blocker

• A diuretic

• A Beta-blocker component in the combination

• An ARB alone

Which is the key advantage of using a selective Beta-1 blocker in hypertension management?

• Inhibition of both Beta-1 and Beta-2 activity

• Increased vasoconstriction

• Preservation of Beta-2-mediated vasodilation and reduced risk of lung adverse effects

• Higher risk of bronchospasm

Pharmacologic regulation of Angiotensin II is central in blood pressure control because Angiotensin II contributes to pathophysiologic effects in:

• Heart, kidney, and brain

• Skin and muscles

• Liver and pancreas

• Thyroid and lungs

ARBs prevent the detrimental effects of Angiotensin II primarily by:

• Inhibiting its synthesis

• Blocking AT1 receptor binding

• Enhancing ACE activity

• Increasing aldosterone

A beneficial vascular effect of ARBs in hypertension management is:

• Increased venous return

• Decreased arterial stiffness

• Increased preload

• Reflex tachycardia