Do your blood pressure test results often increase? Do not underestimate high blood pressure, especially if the development is very rapid. This condition is called malignant hypertension. So, what causes and how to overcome them? Check out the full review here.
What is malignant hypertension?
Malignant hypertension (emergency hypertension) is an increase in blood pressure that develops very quickly, until it can reach 180/120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). In general, normal blood pressure ranges below 120/80 mm Hg.
Generally, malignant hypertension is caused by high blood pressure. But in addition, quoted from the WebMD page, certain medical conditions can also trigger the emergence of malignant hypertension, such as:
- Kidney illness
- Injury to the spinal cord nerve in the spine
- Tumors of the adrenal gland (pheochromocytoma)
- Use of certain medications, such as birth control pills and MAOI
- Use of illegal drugs
- Preeclampsia in pregnant women
Hypertension of this type can not be underestimated because it can easily attack the organs in the body, especially the eyes, brain, heart, and kidneys. Thus, a person should get medical attention immediately if malignant hypertension is attacked. If not, then organ damage can be more severe and serious.
What are the signs and symptoms of malignant hypertension?
As mentioned earlier, the first symptom of malignant hypertension is a very rapid increase in blood pressure, exceeding 180/120 mm Hg. While other symptoms depend on how the reactions of organs in the body after blood pressure increases.
Usually emergency hypertension will invade the eye area, so it will cause bleeding and swelling in small blood vessels in the retina. This condition can cause problems to your eyesight. In addition, symptoms that can also be caused from this hypertension include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizzy
- Numbness in the arms, legs, and face
- Severe headache
- Hard to breathe
In other cases, emergency hypertension may lead to swelling of the brain. If this happens, signs and symptoms that appear are:
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Confusion (daze)
- The worsening headache
- Nausea and vomiting
Are there any complications caused by emergency hypertension?
If the emergency hypertension is not treated immediately, it can increase the risk of complications arising from various other diseases, such as:
- Aortic dissection, the main blood vessel from the heart bursts suddenly
- Pulmonary edema, accumulation of fluid in the lungs
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
That is why, if you have an emergency hypertension condition should immediately contact your doctor or the nearest health service. The reason, rapid medical care will reduce the chances of complications that can be life-threatening.
How can doctors diagnose emergency hypertension?
Initially if you do not know, the doctor will ask all your medical history, including any medications and treatments you have ever done to cope with high blood pressure. Next, the doctor will measure blood pressure, check if there is damage to the retinal vessels, and discuss any signs and symptoms that you are experiencing, the point to determine whether further examination is necessary or not.
If yes, then some of the following checks could be an option:
- Tests to measure blood urea nitrogen level (BUN) and creatinine
- Blood tests to check cardiac enzymes
- Echocardiography to see heart function
- Electrocardiography (EKG) for heart record
- Urine test to check for kidney function
- CT scan or MRI of the brain for bleeding or stroke
- X-rays or X-rays to check the condition of the heart and lungs
How to handle it?
Maglina hypertension is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical help. Your doctor will usually take into account your symptoms and overall health condition before deciding on the best treatment plan for you.
Treatments that may be given include high blood pressure medications or antihypertensive medications, administered by intravenous or infusion. Once your blood pressure has stabilized enough, your doctor will prescribe an oral blood pressure medication (drink). These medicines aim to facilitate you in controlling blood pressure at home. Other treatments may be given depending on the symptoms and causes of hypertension that you are experiencing.
In essence, if you have been diagnosed with an emergency hypertension, then you should obey all recommendations from your treating doctor. For example, perform routine checks to monitor blood pressure, and do not forget to take medications that have been prescribed regularly.