Malignant hypertension overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Malignant hypertension is a complication of hypertension characterized by very elevated blood pressure, and organ damage in the eyes, brain, lung and/or kidneys. It differs from other complications of hypertension in that it is accompanied by papilledema. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures are usually greater than 200 and 140, respectively.
Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram
The ECG is necessary to screen for ischemia, infarct, or evidence of electrolyte abnormalities or drug overdose.
X Ray
The chest radiograph is useful for assessment of cardiac enlargement, pulmonary edema, or involvement of other thoracic structures, such as rib notching with aortic coarctation or a widened mediastinum with aortic dissection. Other tests, such as head CT scan, transesophageal echocardiogram, and renal angiography, are indicated only as directed by the initial workup.