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Malignant Hypertension: All you Need to Know About the Condition

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

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

Lifestyle And Environmental

  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Others

Others

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

Complications

ComplicationsMalignant 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.

  • NauseaNausea
  • HeadacheHeadache
  • VomitingVomiting
  • Blurring or double visionBlurring or double vision
  • Nose bleedingNose bleeding
  • Heart palpitationsHeart palpitations
  • Heart palpitationsShortness in breath

Treatment

TreatmentFirst 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

ConclusionIf 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.

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Comments (10)

Sunny

Very insightful!

Rashmi

Nice Read

Chinmayi

Can you help me find a good doctor for hypertension in Pune? Specifically Wakad?

BPinControl

You can use our Find A Physician feature to locate an expert doctor nearest to you. Visit- Find a Physician

Sathish

Does every hypertension patient have a risk of getting malignant hypertension patient later?

BPinControl

Not exactly. If the patient has any underlying medical condition from the ones mentioned above, then they may be at risk of getting diagnosed with malignant hypertension. The best thing to do would be to consult a doctor and discuss the need for relevant check-ups. To find a hypertension expert near you, visit- Find a Physician

Shweta

My grandmother was diagnosed with malignant hypertension recently. Apart from medications and treatment, she was suggested to make dietary changes, but they were just general what-to-eat and what-to-avoid kind of suggestions. Can I get a detailed, full-day diet plan?

BPinControl

Sure. You can get in touch with a nutritionist from our home page and get a personalised diet plan for grandmother. Visit- BPinControl

Laxmi

If a person with hypertension experiences frequent headaches, despite the blood pressure levels being less than 180/120 mm Hg, is that a sign of future malignant hypertension?

BPinControl

As we mentioned above, malignant hypertension is the case of having blood pressure levels above 180/120 mm Hg. If the person’s blood pressure levels are below it, it won’t be malignant hypertension but the cause of headaches could be something else. However, we would strongly recommend not to overlook the problem and consult a doctor immediately. To find a hypertension expert near you, visit- Find a Physician

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