|  | Conditions Treatments | Cardiovascular Disease

Causes of Paroxysmal Hypertension

Paroxysmal hypertension, also called pseudopheochomocytoma, is often present with a variety of symptoms and conditions. Often it may be the result of environmental or circumstantial stress. In some cases, it can be a symptom of a small brain tumor in the pituitary gland. However, the vast majority of cases of paroxysmal hypertension are due to other causes or are not easily categorized. Episodes of paroxysmal hypertension are usually not sustained. Spikes in blood pressure are cause for concern, though, so most individuals with this condition consult medical doctors in search of a resolution.

  1. Pituitary gland

    • When presented with a case of paroxysmal hypertension, many doctors immediately suspect a catecholamine-secreting pheochromocytoma, according to Samuel Mann, MD. This is a small tumor in the pituitary gland. However, a pheochromocytoma appears in only about 1 in 300 patients with paroxysmal hypertension. If a pheochromocytoma is present, standard treatments include radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

    Panic attack

    • According to Dr. Mann, approximately 40 percent of patients who present with spiking blood pressure and paroxysmal hypertension are suffering from panic attacks. Panic attacks can be very scary for the individual who is having one. Patients describe feeling lightheaded, having a racing pulse, feeling chest pain and feeling out of control. Often, there is no obvious triggering event, and to patients it can seem as if there is no rhyme or reason to when they have a panic attack. Treatment for panic attacks, particularly when related to paroxysmal hypertension, includes the use of anti-anxiety medications such as BuSpar, Paxil and Zoloft.

    Migraine headaches

    • Another potential cause of paroxysmal hypertension is migraine headaches, according to Dr. Mann. Migraine headaches are also called cluster headaches if they occur as short or small clusters of headaches centered in one part of the head. Migraines are thought to be the result of vascular constriction in the scalp and brain. As a result, the patient feels extreme head pain, along with other symptoms such as difficulty hearing, speaking and understanding others, and hypersensitivity to sounds and light. Additionally, she may feel as if she is lightheaded, and her blood pressure may spike alarmingly. Chronic migraines are treated with medications such as Imitrex.

    Hyperthyroidism

    • Dr. Mann also suggests that hyperthyroidism is a potential cause for paroxysmal hypertension. The thyroid is a gland on the larynx (voice box) and is shaped like a butterfly. It is responsible for metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid is overactive and metabolism is abnormally high. Individuals with this condition may be treated with medication; alternatively, they may need surgery to remove the thyroid. One of the symptoms of overactive thyroid is spiking blood pressure, a characteristic of paroxysmal hypertension.

    Coronary insufficiency

    • Coronary insufficiency is a condition in which the heart is not strong enough to maintain healthy blood pressure. According to Dr. Mann, this condition can present initially as paroxysmal hypertension. Coronary insufficiency is extremely serious and may be an indicator of congestive heart failure. Often the heart is damaged due to heart attack or other cardiac injury, and a heart transplant is the primary correction for the condition.

Cardiovascular Disease - Related Articles