Malignant hypertension

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Malignant Hypertension

Malignant hypertension (pronounced: muh-lig-nuhnt hy-per-ten-shuhn) is a severe form of hypertension that is characterized by extremely high blood pressure levels.

Etymology

The term "malignant" is derived from the Latin word "malignus" which means "bad kind" or "dangerous," and "hypertension" comes from the Greek words "hyper," meaning "over," and "tension," meaning "pressure." Thus, malignant hypertension refers to dangerously high blood pressure.

Definition

Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency that occurs when blood pressure increases rapidly and severely, often exceeding 180/120 mm Hg. This condition can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, brain, and other organs if not treated promptly.

Symptoms

Symptoms of malignant hypertension may include severe headache, blurred vision, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and seizures. In some cases, it may lead to complications such as stroke, heart failure, kidney failure, or blindness.

Causes

Malignant hypertension can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases, as well as certain medications and lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a high-salt diet.

Treatment

Treatment for malignant hypertension typically involves medications to lower blood pressure quickly and prevent organ damage. This may include diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and ACE inhibitors. In some cases, hospitalization may be required.

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