Malignant Hypertension
Alternate Names : Malignant Hypertensive Arteriolar Nephrosclerosis
How is the disease diagnosed?
Malignant hypertension is diagnosed by a physical examination. An eye exam will show changes that signal
very high blood pressure. A healthcare provider will also take a person's blood
pressure. When blood pressure is measured, there are two numbers that are
reported, for example, 140/90. The top number is the systolic blood pressure,
and the bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure. An example of extremely
high blood pressure is 220/140.
Other signs that a person has malignant hypertension include:
diastolic blood pressure that is always more than 120
signs of congestive heart failure
and chronic renal failure
changes in mental status, such as
confusion and memory loss
These signs indicate a medical emergency. Blood pressure must be controlled quickly
to avoid permanent damage to internal organs and death.
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