What is malignant high blood pressure?
Malignant high blood pressure is extremely high blood pressure that develops rapidly and causes organ damage.
Malignant high blood pressure is a medical emergency in which blood pressure rises to very high levels suddenly and quickly. It can lead to serious damage to organs including the kidneys, heart, brain and eyes, even causing vision loss. Malignant high blood pressure affects about 1 percent of people (both children and adults) who have high blood pressure. People who have kidney problems, certain collagen disorders (lupus, sclerosis) and pregnant women who have preemclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy) are at increased risk for malignant high blood pressure.
Symptoms of malignant high blood pressure may include:
Symptoms of malignant high blood pressure may include:
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- blurred vision or other vision problems
- nausea and/or vomiting
- anxiety, restlessness, confusion
- fatigue and sleepiness
- cough
- headache
- seizure
- weakness of arms, legs, face or other areas
Continue Learning about Hypertension
Hypertension
Clinically known as hypertension, high blood pressure can cause a host of problems if left untreated. The most common type of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure causes our hearts to work harder by forcing blood to push ag...
ainst the walls of our arteries at an elevated level. Hypertension is the leading cause of strokes and heart attack. It also increases your risk of having heart and kidney failure and hardening of the arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.