How to treat hypertensive encephalopathy

Written by Li Qiang
Intensive Care Unit
Updated on March 18, 2025
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The treatment goal for hypertensive encephalopathy is mainly to rapidly reduce blood pressure to a reasonable range. Typically, intravenous antihypertensive drugs are administered to decrease blood pressure by 20%-25% within the first hour, followed by oral antihypertensives or continued intravenous treatment to further reduce it to a more reasonable level. Hypertensive encephalopathy often accompanies cerebral edema, and patients may experience increased intracranial pressure. At this point, it is necessary to administer dehydrating agents such as mannitol to treat the cerebral edema. If the patient experiences seizures, which can cause an increase in blood pressure or difficulty in reducing blood pressure, sedative anticonvulsant drugs must be administered to control the seizures. If the patient shows signs of heart failure, diuretic treatment should be initiated. Additionally, high concentration oxygen therapy under high pressure should be administered, which can be delivered through nasal cannula. If nasal oxygen therapy is ineffective, non-invasive ventilation or even intubation with invasive ventilation may be used to provide high concentration positive pressure oxygen therapy.

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What vegetables should be eaten for high blood pressure?

Hypertension is a common disease in our daily life. What vegetables should people with hypertension eat? Pay attention to the following aspects: First, eat less salty food, especially pickled foods, such as salted pork, cured meat, and pickled fish products; these should be consumed in moderation. Second, eat more vegetables and fruits, such as celery, bitter melon, cabbage, and tomatoes. These vegetables are very helpful for our health. Likewise, fruits such as apples and pears, which are rich in Vitamin C, also assist in maintaining good health.

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Symptoms of hypertension

Hypertension is a common and frequently occurring disease clinically. Mild hypertension often has no clinical symptoms and is usually detected during physical examinations when measuring blood pressure reveals an increase. In cases of severe hypertension, individuals with long-term high blood pressure may experience dizziness, a feeling of pressure in the head, and headaches. In serious cases, symptoms can include tinnitus and palpitations, requiring the use of effective antihypertensive medications for management. If patients with hypertension do not use medications to manage their condition, long-term high blood pressure can cause significant harm to the body, leading to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, hypertension-induced heart disease, and stroke. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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How to Read a Blood Pressure Monitor for High Blood Pressure

As living standards improve, a blood pressure monitor has become an essential medical device in households. Electronic blood pressure monitors are very convenient for measuring blood pressure, especially for patients with hypertension. They allow patients to measure their blood pressure timely and adjust medication dosages accordingly. How to read a blood pressure monitor varies with different models. Typically, on an electronic blood pressure monitor, the first line displays the systolic pressure, also known as high blood pressure; the second line displays the diastolic pressure, also known as low blood pressure; and the third line displays the heart rate. These readings can help you know your systolic and diastolic pressures.

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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.

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Can high blood pressure be hereditary?

Hypertension has a certain level of heritability, and research indicates that if parents have hypertension, their children’s risk of developing this condition significantly increases. Of course, genetic factors are only one of the reasons for the development of hypertension. The presence of genetic factors does not necessarily lead to hypertension; postnatal environmental factors are also very important. Maintaining good lifestyle habits over time, including healthy dietary habits, regular physical exercise, reasonable weight control, and a positive mindset can help prevent hypertension. Moreover, even without a family history of hypertension, poor lifestyle habits can still lead to the development of the condition.