Article Surfing Archive

Hypertension is a modern day epidemic, with the number people being diagnosed increasing year on year. Approximately 1% of those that are considered as hypertentive (have high blood pressure) are also at a risk of suffering with malignant hypertension.

The particularly severe form of hypertension is when the blood pressure of an individual is very high, e.g. a systolic of greater than 200, and a diastolic reading of greater than 130mmHg.

Although there is not one specific cause for these severely elevated blood pressure readings, there are thought to be some factors that can increase the risk. These include:

- Taking some medications or drugs, including amphetamines, oral contraceptives, cocaine and MAOI's (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors prescribed for depression)
- A history of kidney conditions or collagen vascular diseases, or a spinal cord disorder
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia in pregnant women
- Pheochromocytoma, which are tumours of the adrenal gland that cause excessive hormone release
- Narrowing or distention of the aorta
- When the arteries in the kidneys narrow
- Potentially missing doses of hypertension medication. This can be particularly true when taking beta-blockers or clonidine, which can have the effect of making the condition worse (rebound effect).

The most common reason for malignant hypertension is not complying with the prescription given. In fact, it is believed that about 50% of the people who are prescribed medication to reduce their blood pressure do not take the medication as prescribed.

The risks also increase if the blood pressure reading of a person is greater than 140/90, and there are further risks if you are a man, if you are an African American and if you are a smoker.

Often people with malignant hypertension will experience certain symptoms that are often associated with other forms of hypertension and these can include the following: -

1. Headaches
2. Vomiting
3. Less urinary discharge than normal as well as times when their bodies will expel more waste than normal.
4. For some they may experience some abnormal sensations in their arms and legs plus other areas of the body.
5. Some people may suffer with anxiety and restlessness, whilst others can become extremely sluggish and find it very difficult to concentrate on anyone thing.
6. Many will feel a weakness, finding it difficult to cope with doing everyday tasks.
7. Many will suffer with frequent chest pains due to the pressure being placed on the heart.
8. Difficulty with breathing which may also be accompanied with a cough.

If any of these symptoms are being felt, and especially if a person is recognized as having one of the causes or risk factors mentioned then they should immediately have their blood pressure checked.

Once a person has been identified to have this condition they should receive immediate medical assistance, with the aim to quickly, but safely reduce the elevated blood pressure to normal levels. This will then go some way to minimising the complications and damage to the nervous system, the cardiovascular system and the kidneys.

If treatment is successful, then a proper monitoring program will be introduced to ensure that blood pressure levels are regulated and there are no repercussions from the condition.

Once malignant hypertension has been relieved, then you will need methods that can naturally help keep blood pressure levels managed, and you will find them in our Free Newsletter below.