How to Treat Malignant Hypertension

Malignant hypertension is characterized by extremely high blood pressure. Considered to be a medical emergency requiring a trip to the emergency room, symptoms may include headache, chest pain, cough and shortness of breath, blurred vision, seizure or numbness in the face, arms or legs. Physical examination may reveal retinal bleeding or swelling of the optic nerve. Kidney failure, permanent blindness or brain damage can develop as possible complications. While a person with this condition may be prescribed multiple medications, diet, exercise and lifestyle changes are essential in controlling and managing the hypertension.

Instructions

• 1

  Limit grains and refined sugar in your diet. Lower insulin levels can help bring high blood pressure under control. Get adequate vitamin D, as a deficiency of this vitamin has been linked to insulin resistance, which is known to elevate blood pressure.

• 2

  Make exercise a priority once severe high blood pressure has been controlled. Talk to your doctor first about what types of exercise might best fit your needs. In most cases, a routine that rotates different kinds of exercise is the most effective. Focus on aerobic exercise some days, strength training on others, and incorporate stretching and flexibility exercises into your workout.

• 3

  Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the most common risk factors associated with malignant hypertension. Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease. The nicotine in tobacco products narrows the blood vessels, making it more difficult for blood to flow through. With each cigarette you smoke, your blood pressure rises. For people who already have high blood pressure, smoking accelerates the onset of malignant hypertension.

• 4

  Reduce anxiety and stress that cause you to overeat or drink alcohol, habits that can contribute to high blood pressure. One response to stress is constriction of blood vessels, causing blood pressure to rise. Previous studies conducted by researchers at the Harvard Medical School suggest that stress stimulates the production of epinephrine, boosting heart rate and narrowing blood vessels.

• 5

  Take your medications on schedule and as directed by your physician. Some of the medications commonly used to treat malignant hypertension include ACE inhibitors such as enalapril; vasodilators like hydralazine; a beta-blocker including labetalol; or a calcium channel blocker such as nicardipine. Most antihypertensive medications work by relaxing blood vessels, reducing the heart's workload. Try not to miss any doses, and do not discontinue medication without discussing with your doctor.