Malignant Hypertension

Malignant hypertension is an extremely severe emergency characterised by a severe rise in the blood pressure which cannot then be lowered. It is diagnosed by the presence of an advanced retinopathy in the presence of a diastolic blood pressure of over 120-130 mm Hg.

Malignant hypertension is more prevalent in African type people and it is also more common in smokers. It affects about 1% of those people already suffering with high blood pressure and is also known to occur in younger people (even children), and also in pregnancy.

In malignant hypertension, there is usually a distinguishing rush or an increase in the blood pressure often for no obvious reason.

Because it is difficult to decrease a malignant blood pressure safely it can and will cause the vital organs of the body severe and lasting harm. This can include the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys and blood vessels. (They are all put under a huge amount of pressure).

Those suffering from malignant hypertension may also complain of

• Some Confusional periods,
• Some visual disturbances.
• Extreme fatigue
• Shortness of breath and cough
• Lowered urinary output
• Headaches,
• Vomiting
• Uncharacteristic sensations to arms, legs and other areas of the body
• Some changes in their mental state
• Some restlessness and anxiety problems
• Complaints of chest pain
• A lowered alertness and less ability to think and focus

The prognosis for people suffering from malignant hypertension can often be very bleak in outlook as damage caused to a person's body is often life threatening. This is especially true when older people are suffering from malignant hypertension they have less reserves to fight the disease.

Any treatment given to a person suffering with malignant hypertension, should be given very carefully as a sudden reduction in the blood pressure from a very high level can be just as dangerous as a blood pressure kept at a very high level.

Malignant blood pressure should be decreased slowly but surely over a period of at least a week with prescribed anti hypertensive drugs. Complete bed rest is also usually prescribed to ensure complete rest is taken by the patient.

If it is treated without delay, malignant hypertension can be controlled without any further problems. However a person suffering with malignant hypertension should be monitored carefully and consistently to ensure they don't have any further episodes.