Causes of Malignant Hypertension You Must Know

Hypertension or high blood pressure can cause many complications. Malignant hypertension is amongst one such complication of hypertension. In this condition blood pressure shoots up to  180/120, this can increase the risk of organ damage. Though, this condition is rare and occurrence can be observed in only 1% of the cases, it requires immediate medical attention and is also called as hypertension emergency.

What are the causes of malignant hypertension?

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the prime reason for malignant hypertension and is not so prevalent. It has been observed two times more in men than women. There are certain medical conditions that can lead to it, some of them are:

• Kidney disease

• Spinal cord injuries

• Tumor of the adrenal gland

• Certain drugs like birth control pills, cocaine etc.

• Skipping medicines

• Preeclampsia

• Autoimmune diseases

• Cardiac problems like narrowing of the aorta

Complications of malignant hypertension

Malignant hypertension can be fatal, if it is not treated and can also lead to many complications like:

• Stroke, coma that impacts the brain functioning

• Sudden rupturing of the main blood vessel of the heart

• Fluid retention in lungs

• Sudden kidney failure

Symptoms of a hypertensive emergency

Symptoms of hypertension are not very visible, but in case of malignant hypertension, the signs are very clear. Symptoms can include:

• Blurred vision

• Pain in chest

• Confusion or difficulty in concentration

• Nausea or vomiting

• Numbness in arms, legs, or face

• Breathlessness

• Headache

• Decreased urine output

• Seizure

In case, you observe any of the above symptoms and have a history of hypertension, then you may be at a risk of developing malignant hypertension. Your doctors will focus on lowering your blood pressure to normal within a few seconds to minutes, to avoid any harm to other organs.