Hypertensive crisis refers to marked increase in blood pressure that may cause a stroke. Extremely high blood pressure, characterized by a systolic (top number) measurement of 180 millimeters of mercury and a diastolic (bottom number) pressure of 120 millimeters of mercury, weakens blood vessels, leading to inflammation and fluid or blood leakage. This damage damages the heart's effectiveness, in turn increasing the risk of stroke. Causes of hypertensive crisis vary, but include renovascular hypertension, eclampsia and preeclampsia and pheochromocytoma.
Renovascular Hypertension
Renovascular hypertension refers to the condition of having high blood pressure caused by the narrowing of arteries that carry blood to the kidneys. As a result of decreased blood flow, the kidneys causes the body to retain excess salt and blood. This reaction creates high blood pressure, which precipitates a hypertensive crisis in some cases. According to MedLine Plus, physicians recommend patients with high blood pressure quit smoking, exercise, avoid high-fat foods and limit alcohol consumption to prevent arterial changes that lead to renovascular hypertension and, possibly, hypertensive crisis.
Preeclampsia and Eclampsia
Preeclampsia is the abrupt increase in blood pressure affecting a pregnant woman after the 20th week of pregnancy, which can lead to a hypertensive crisis. Damage to the kidney, liver and brain of the pregnant woman can follow. If untreated, the potential for long-term health problems and fatalities for both the mother and baby exist. Seizures and coma in the pregnant woman are possible in eclampsia, a graver form of preeclampsia. Only one medical treatment exists for eclampsia and preeclampsia: delivery of the fetus. Physicians may opt to attempt to extend the pregnancy and monitor the health of the pregnancy woman if the fetus is premature.
Pheochromocytoma
Rare tumors called pheochromocytomas may develop in the core of an adrenal gland. When a pheochromocytoma develops, the adrenal glands can produce excess amounts of certain hormones that raise the blood pressure and heart rate and can lead to a hypertensive crisis. The Mayo Clinic reports that treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor, as well as medications like beta blockers and alpha blockers to control hypertension.
