hypertensive crisis
Hypertensive Crisis
Hypertensive crisis is a condition wherein a person's blood pressure shoots up to more than 180/110 mm of Hg. Read on to know all about the causes, symptoms and treatment alternatives for dealing with this condition.
- Abrupt discontinuation of taking hypertension medication. This is especially seen in patients that have chronic high blood pressure and who have labile hypertension.
- There are certain renal parenchymal diseases, chronic pyelonephritis, primary glomerulonephritis, etc. that may cause a sudden rise in blood pressure.
- Endocrine disorders like pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome and primary hyperaldosteronism may also cause an increase in the blood pressure.
- Certain drugs like cocaine, amphetamines and cyclosporin may cause a rise in the blood pressure. Certain drug interactions, like taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors with tricyclic antidepressants, may cause a drug interaction, that could shoot up the blood pressure.
- Systemic disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitides and systemic sclerosis may also be responsible for causing a rise in the blood pressure.
- Post-operative hypertension may also occur in the form a hypertensive crisis.
- In pregnant women, there is a medical complication known as eclampsia, where there is a sudden and uncontrollable surge in the blood pressure.
- Severe throbbing headache.
- If the blood pressure causes damage in the brain, like if there is bleeding in the brain or if there is a stroke, then it could lead to seizures and mental confusion.
- Chest pain and feeling of crushing or severe tightness in the chest. The person may also feel heart palpitations due to arrhythmia.
- Shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing.
- Swelling or edema, that is, fluid build up in the tissues may occur due to the increase in the blood flow. When this occurs in the lungs, it is known as pulmonary edema, which can be a life-threatening complication.
- There may be altered consciousness.
- Dysarthria