Malignant hypertension is the medical term used when blood pressure becomes extremely high, very quickly. The diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) can rise up to 130 mmHg. This condition can cause blurred vision, numbness and weakness in various areas of the body, fatigue, anxiety, chest pain, headaches and many other symptoms. Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency that requires treatment because it can become life-threatening. Merck states that “Without treatment, fewer than 5% of people with malignant hypertension survive for a year.”
Hospitalization
Malignant hypertension requires hospitalization until blood pressure is under control. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that initially, medications to lower blood pressure are administered intravenously, to help quickly bring the pressure down. This includes drugs such as fenoldopam, nitroprusside, nicardipine, labetalol and others. The exact medication used will be based on any existing medical conditions and overall health. The patient will need to be monitored during this phase as blood pressure medications can cause side effects.
Diuretics
If the heart is not pumping correctly, fluid may begin to back up and accumulate in the lungs. If this occurs a diuretic can be prescribed. Diuretics work by making the blood vessels dilate to allow for more blood flow, which in turn reduces pressure. These drugs also encourage the kidneys to remove excess salt and water from the body. According to the National Institutes of Health, malignant hypertension that is treated in time can be successfully controlled and may not cause permanent damage.
Lifestyle Changes
Once blood pressure is lowered to a safer level, the patient can switch to an oral medication to help keep blood pressure under control. There are many medications that can be used. The exact medication and dosage must be tailored to the individual's needs, claims Merck. It is also important to speak with a physician about how to properly monitor blood pressure at home. To fully manage high blood pressure, all of the above must be combined with losing excess weight, eating healthy, quitting smoking and getting regular exercise with a doctor's approval.
