What should you know about malignant hypertension?

Blood pressure that becomes extremely high can strain the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys and blood vessels. The term malignant describes the danger of rapid organ damage, not cancer. A person may already have hypertension, have stopped or missed prescribed treatment, or develop a sudden rise for another medical reason. Assessment may include repeated blood-pressure readings, an examination, urine checks, blood tests and checks of the heart, kidneys, eyes or nervous system.

Treat this as an urgent medical problem. Sit quietly while arranging medical help, take a medication list, and tell the clinician about missed doses, new medicines, stimulants, pregnancy or kidney problems. Do not take extra blood-pressure tablets unless a clinician specifically tells you to. Long-term care may involve adjusting treatment and monitoring conditions such as Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, Heart Failure, Obesity or Obstructive Sleep Apnoea.

Seek emergency care immediately for severe headache, confusion, fainting, weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, vision change, chest pain, severe breathlessness or a seizure. These symptoms can signal injury involving the brain, heart or other organs, including Stroke or Heart Failure. Do not drive yourself if you feel confused, weak or seriously unwell.

Ask what may have triggered the rise, whether any organ has been affected, how your medicines should be taken, and which symptoms should prompt emergency help. Ask when your blood pressure and kidney function should be checked again.