The difference between hypertensive crisis and hypertensive encephalopathy

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on August 31, 2024
00:00
00:00

Both hypertensive encephalopathy and hypertensive crisis involve a rapid increase in blood pressure, symptoms of headache, restlessness, nausea and vomiting, palpitations, shortness of breath, and blurred vision, with systolic pressure increasing to 200 mmHg and diastolic pressure to 120 mmHg, typically presenting similar clinical blood pressure readings. The main difference between the two is that hypertensive encephalopathy is based on excessively high blood pressure in patients with severe hypertension. Furthermore, hypertensive encephalopathy can lead to clinical signs of cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure, whereas hypertensive crisis occurs when blood pressure suddenly rises over a short period, causing symptoms due to excessive secretion of catecholamines driven by increased sympathetic nervous excitement.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
59sec home-news-image

Difference between hypertensive crisis and hypertensive encephalopathy

Hypertensive crisis, now referred to as hypertensive emergency, includes hypertensive encephalopathy. It mainly refers to cases where, under certain triggers, the blood pressure of patients with primary or secondary hypertension suddenly or significantly rises, typically exceeding 180/120 mmHg, accompanied by progressive failure of critical target organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Hypertensive emergencies include hypertensive encephalopathy, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral infarction, acute heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, aortic dissection, etc. Hypertensive encephalopathy is characterized by symptoms caused by hypertension, such as headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and severe edema of the head.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
45sec home-news-image

What is the general blood pressure for hypertensive nephropathy?

Hypertension caused by kidney disease is called renal hypertension. The blood pressure of patients with renal hypertension is generally higher than that of those with primary hypertension. However, these patients can exhibit any range of blood pressure types. Their blood pressure might be in stage 1, meaning the systolic pressure is between 140 to 160 mmHg. It could also reach stage 3, where the systolic pressure exceeds 180 mmHg. In cases of heart failure, the patient's blood pressure might even reach 220 or 240 mmHg, though such extreme cases are relatively rare.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Tian Hua
Cardiology
58sec home-news-image

Is a blood pressure of 180 considered severe?

Blood pressure reaching a systolic level of 180 mmHg is considered severe hypertension, which is quite serious. This type of blood pressure requires active treatment with antihypertensive medications to gradually bring the pressure back to normal levels. This kind of blood pressure often requires the combination of different antihypertensive drugs with various mechanisms of action to effectively control it. It is recommended to select antihypertensive drugs under the guidance of a specialist doctor based on individualized treatment principles, starting with small doses. The reduction in blood pressure should not be too rapid nor should it cause the pressure to drop too low. In addition to standard antihypertensive treatment, long-term adjustments to lifestyle habits and changes to unhealthy behaviors are also necessary. If there are other related cardiovascular risk factors, they should also be actively managed.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
52sec home-news-image

What is the blood pressure in a hypertensive crisis?

Hypertensive crisis is a relatively urgent medical condition in clinical settings. Its diagnostic criterion is a diastolic pressure greater than 130 mmHg. Naturally, the higher the blood pressure, the greater the threat. A hypertensive crisis can lead to many clinical symptoms, such as acute left heart failure, dizziness, headache, cerebral hemorrhage, and acute renal failure. The most common causes of hypertensive crisis are primary or secondary hypertension, which, under certain specific circumstances, lead to uncontrollably high blood pressure and related clinical symptoms. The focus of treatment is on controlling the blood pressure and choosing different treatment plans for complications. For instance, in the case of heart failure, vasodilators and diuretics may be used for symptomatic treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Wen Li
Obstetrics
38sec home-news-image

Pregnancy hypertension symptoms

The symptoms of hypertension during pregnancy vary depending on the blood pressure level, individual tolerance, and other factors. Common symptoms include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and generalized edema. Edema can vary in severity; it can start with bilateral ankle swelling, progress to the calves, thighs, and then become generalized throughout the body. Increased blood pressure can also lead to headaches, dizziness, nausea, and blurred vision. In more severe cases, pain in the upper abdomen and convulsions may occur.