Malignant hypertension
Definition
Malignant hypertension is usually defined as very high blood pressure with swelling of the optic nerve behind the eye. The swelling of the optic nerve behind the eye is called papilledema.
Alternative Names
Accelerated hypertension; Arteriolar nephrosclerosis; Nephrosclerosis - arteriolar; Hypertension - malignantCauses
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 persons with kidney disorders or collagen vascular disorders.
You are at high risk for malignant hypertension if you have had kidney failure or renal hypertension caused by renal artery stenosis.
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