hypertension

Malignant hypertension

Malignant hypertension refers to an abnormal increase in mean arterial pressure, so consistent as to cause serious damage to the eye, and beyond. The adjective "malignant" is therefore not referred to a hypothetical cancerous origin, but to the serious damages that this syndrome can cause. If left untreated, malignant hypertension is in fact aggravated by a mortality of more than 90% over a year. However, the prognosis depends on the average pressure levels reached and the speed with which this syndrome is established and treated; when medical treatment occurs early, the prognosis is good.

Malignant hypertension should not be confused with the hypertensive crisis, which instead has an acute character. Malignant hypertension, rather, can be considered a particularly unfavorable evolution of hypertension; as such it can affect individuals who suffer from high blood pressure at any time and at any age. To prevent its occurrence, it is important to periodically check your blood pressure and - in the case of hypertension - take the medicines in the manner prescribed by your doctor, while respecting any dietary and behavioral measures aimed at reducing weight and sodium.

Among the signs, symptoms and diagnostic findings typical of malignant hypertension, we recall:

  • diastolic pressure generally above 130-140 mmHg;
  • systolic pressure generally above 200 mmHg;
  • papillary edema, hemorrhage and retinal exudation;
  • headache, vomiting, anxiety, cerebral haemorrhage, nausea, blurred vision, up to convulsions, stupor, coma;
  • hematuria, proteinuria with tendency to evolution in renal failure, poor urine output;
  • electrocardiographic signs of functional overload of the left ventricle, heart failure, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath.

The treatment of malignant hypertension requires hospitalization to treat and prevent complications, to administer adequate drugs intravenously and to monitor the function of the various organs. Once blood pressure is stabilized, the patient is discharged from the hospital; home therapy continues with a preventive approach by administering drugs against hypertension, such as Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. Additional medications or special treatments may be necessary if malignant hypertension has produced organ damage.