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Malignant Hypertension (Arteriolar Nephrosclerosis)
Alternate Names : Accelerated Hypertension, Arteriolar Nephrosclerosis, Hypertension - Malignant, Nephrosclerosis - Arteriolar
DefinitionMalignant hypertension is usually defined as very high blood pressure with swelling of the optic nerve behind the eye, called papilledema (grade IV Keith-Wagner hypertensive retinopathy). Malignant hypertension is usually accompanied by other organ damage like heart failure, kidney failure, and hypertensive encephalopathy.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
The disorder affects about 1% of people with high blood pressure, including both children and adults. It is more common in younger adults, especially African American men. It also occurs in women with toxemia of pregnancy, and people with kidney disorders or collagen vascular disorders. You are at high risk for malignant hypertension if you have had kidney (renal) failure or renal hypertension caused by renal artery stenosis.
Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency. Many body systems are in serious risk due to the extreme elevation of blood pressure. Multiple organs of the body, including the brain, eyes, blood vessels, heart, and kidneys may sustain damage. The blood vessels of the kidney are highly susceptible to damage caused by pressure, and kidney failure may develop, which may be permanent.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Angina
• Heart Attack
• Heart Disease
• Heart Failure
• Intracerebral Hemorrhage
• Metabolic Acidosis
• Preeclampsia
• Pulmonary Edema
• Renal Artery Stenosis
• Renovascular Hypertension
• Stroke
Tests & Exams
• Aldosterone
• BUN
• Chest X-Ray
• Creatinine - Serum
• Renin
• Urinalysis
• Urinary Casts
Other Topics
• Agitation
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Consciousness - Decreased
• Cough
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• High Blood Pressure
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Numbness and Tingling
• Retina
• Seizures
• Stress and Anxiety
• Urine Output - Decreased
• Vision Problems
• Weakness
Review Date : 10/29/2003
Reviewed By : Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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