Paroxysmal hypertension

Paroxysmal hypertension
Synonyms	Episodic hypertension, Intermittent hypertension
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Cardiology, Endocrinology
Symptoms	Sudden high blood pressure, headache, sweating, palpitations, anxiety
Complications	Stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure
Onset	Sudden
Duration	Minutes to hours
Types	N/A
Causes	Pheochromocytoma, Labile hypertension, Autonomic dysreflexia, Stress
Risks	Family history, Genetic predisposition, Chronic stress
Diagnosis	Blood pressure monitoring, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, Blood tests, Imaging studies
Differential diagnosis	Essential hypertension, White coat hypertension, Anxiety disorder
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Lifestyle modification, Antihypertensive medication, Surgery for underlying causes
Medication	Beta blockers, Calcium channel blockers, Alpha blockers
Prognosis	Variable, depends on underlying cause
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Paroxysmal Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by sudden, episodic increases in blood pressure. These episodes can last from a few minutes to several hours and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, sweating, and palpitations.

Etiology

The exact cause of paroxysmal hypertension is unknown. However, it is often associated with certain medical conditions such as pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal glands, and hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland. It can also be triggered by certain medications, stress, or anxiety.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of paroxysmal hypertension is a sudden, dramatic increase in blood pressure. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including headache, sweating, palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious complications such as stroke or heart attack.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of paroxysmal hypertension typically involves a series of blood pressure measurements taken over time. Additional tests may be performed to rule out underlying conditions, such as a urine test to check for elevated levels of certain hormones associated with pheochromocytoma.

Treatment

Treatment for paroxysmal hypertension typically involves managing the underlying condition or trigger. This may involve medication to control blood pressure, lifestyle changes to reduce stress, or surgery to remove a pheochromocytoma tumor.

See Also

• Hypertension
• Pheochromocytoma
• Hyperthyroidism

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