Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which condition may benefit from the use of alpha 1 antagonists besides BPH?

1. Heart failure

2. Pheochromocytoma

3. Hypertension

4. Peripheral artery disease

The correct answer is: Hypertension

The condition that may benefit from the use of alpha-1 antagonists, aside from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is hypertension. Alpha-1 antagonists work by blocking the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors on smooth muscle, leading to vasodilation and a decrease in vascular resistance. This results in lowered blood pressure, making them effective for managing hypertension. In the context of hypertension, especially in scenarios where there is also an enlarged prostate, using an alpha-1 antagonist can provide dual benefits. While these medications may not be the first-line treatment for hypertension, they can be considered in patients who may also have BPH to relieve both conditions simultaneously. The other conditions listed hold different rationale for treatment. Heart failure typically involves a more complex management strategy and often employs medications that target different pathways, such as ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers. Pheochromocytoma, a tumor that secretes catecholamines, may require more aggressive treatments such as surgical removal or the use of other antihypertensive medications that can better counteract catecholamine effects. Peripheral artery disease management generally focuses on antiplatelet agents and lifestyle changes, rather than the use of alpha-1 antagonists. Thus, hypertension stands out as