Accelerated hypertension is very serious condition and a life-threatening form of high blood pressure/hypertension. Accelerated hypertension is the sudden and rapid rise of blood pressure to extremely high and dangerous levels. Accelerated hypertension also includes evidence of vital organ damage, such as to the brain, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and eyes. Accelerated hypertension is very similar to but not exactly the same as malignant hypertension.
If left untreated, the organ damage that occurs due to accelerated hypertension puts people with the disease at a very high risk for stroke, blindness, kidney failure, coma and other life-threatening complications.
Unlike essential hypertension and secondary hypertension, which often have no symptoms, people with accelerated hypertension often do have symptoms. Symptoms of accelerated hypertension may include chest pain, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), confusion and other changes in mental status. For more information on symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of accelerated hypertension.
People at risk for developing accelerated hypertension include those with hypertension, kidney disease or preeclampsia. People at highest risk include those with renal hypertension or renal failure due to renal artery stenosis.
Certain drugs can cause accelerated hypertension. These include cocaine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and oral contraceptives. Alcohol withdrawal or suddenly discontinuing the use of specific medications, such as beta-blockers or alpha-stimulants, can also cause accelerated hypertension.
Making a diagnosis of accelerated hypertension includes performing a complete evaluation that includes a medical history and physical examination and a series of blood pressure readings.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers, (i.e.120/80mmHg). The "top" number is called the systolic number, which is a measurement of the pressure on the artery walls when the heart beats. The "bottom" number is the diastolic number, which is a measurement of the pressure on the artery walls when the heart is resting between beats.
As a very general guide, 120/80mmHg is considered as a general guideline for an average normal blood pressure. In accelerated hypertension, the "bottom" number (diastolic number) can rise to 130mmHG or higher.
It is possible that a diagnosis of accelerated hypertension can be missed or delayed because a person may not recognize symptoms. For more information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of accelerated hypertension.
Treatment of accelerated hypertension includes hospitalization and medications given intravenously to lower blood pressure. Treatments will also be given to address complications, such as pulmonary edema, and to protect the organs from further damage. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of accelerated hypertension. ...more »
Accelerated hypertension: Accelerated hypertension is a condition characterized by a rapid increase in blood pressure. The condition is a medical emergency which can cause organ damage if not treated promptly. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Accelerated hypertension is available below.
Symptoms of accelerated hypertension are the result of an extremely high pressure or force on the inside walls of the arteries and the resulting organ damage as blood is pumped throughout the body. In accelerated hypertension, the "bottom" number of a blood pressure reading (diastolic number) can rise to 130mmHG or higher.
Symptoms can affect the ...more symptoms »
Accelerated hypertension is a medical emergency and immediate treatment will help to decrease the risk of developing serious complications, such as stroke, blindness, kidney failure, heart failure, seizures, angina, coma and death. Emergent aggressive treatment can often return high blood pressure readings to a safe level without complications.
Treatment begins with prevention. ...more treatments »
Once a person seeks medical care, accelerated hypertension can usually be quickly diagnosed and treated. However, a diagnosis of accelerated hypertension can be missed or delayed because a person may not recognize symptoms or may not realize that it is vital to have symptoms evaluated emergently to minimize the risk of life threatening complications. ...more misdiagnosis »
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Prognosis for Accelerated hypertension: The prognosis depends on how soon treatment is delivered after the onset of the condition. Prompt treatment can limit or prevent complications such as organ damage due to the high blood pressure.
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