Malignant Hypertension: All you Need to Know About the Condition

Definition

Malignant Hypertension is a condition characterised by extremely high levels of blood pressure, often leading to serious conditions like organ failure. To give you an idea of its severity, Malignant Hypertension shows blood pressure readings of 180/120 and above, when the normal levels are considered as 120/80. This condition is therefore classified as a health emergency or hypertensive urgency.

Causes

There can be several causes behind such severe conditions of malignant blood pressure or multiple organ failure. Some are well known as associated with lifestyle, renal, endocrine or cardiac dysfunctions. Compliance to drugs is also a well-known risk factor for causing malignant hypertension. Some causes and underlying causative factors for malignant blood pressure are as below:

Medical Conditions

• Renovascular diseases
• Coronary artery disease
• Thyroid issues
• Kidney problems
• Tumors of the adrenal glands
• Cerebrospinal injuries
• Certain medications like birth control pills and antidepressants
• Substance abuse
• Central nervous system disorders

Lifestyle And Environmental

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

Others

• Increased age
• Genetics
• Gender: Females (due to hormonal factors)

Complications

Malignant hypertension is an extremely serious condition which, if left untreated, can even lead to death. Some of the other serious consequences of Malignant hypertension include:

• Cardiac, renal and cerebral failure
• Rupturing of the main blood vessels heart (Aortic Dissection)
• Stroke
• Organ failure, especially the kidneys
• Accumulation of fluids in the lungs
• Other grave complications

Symptoms

As is the case with all its other forms, Malignant Hypertension signifies its ‘Silent Killer’ notoriety by barely showing any symptoms. However, it is generally advised to seek medical attention if someone experiences the following symptoms of malignant blood pressure.

• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Blurring or double vision
• Nose bleeding
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness in breath

Treatment

First things first to do as a part of malignant blood pressure treatment is to get the patient admitted immediately. The first medications or treatments given would be to reduce the critical blood pressure levels of the patient to avoid further problems. This may involve injecting the medicines so they take effect immediately. The latter part of the treatment is the gradual, steady reduction and management of the blood pressure through oral antihypertensive drugs. Once the patient’s blood pressure is back to normal, the treatment will involve a secondary hypertension screening and frequent follow-up visit to monitor the situation. Lifestyle changes and dietary changes will also be suggested at this stage to avoid any recurrence.

Conclusion

If a patient has high blood pressure or is at risk; it’s critical to check blood pressure regularly, and take all prescribed medications without missing any doses. Avoid indulgencing in drugs and non-prescribed medications. Apart from that it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek medical advice. Maintain a low-stress level and also a cardiac system tuned by exercising regularly. Keeping track of the treatment of any ongoing health condition that may put you at risk for a hypertensive emergency. Seek immediate treatment if you develop any symptoms like Malignant hypertension.

Note of Caution: This article is for information purpose only. Always consult your doctor in case of any blood pressure or other health-related problems.