Paroxysmal hypertension

Paroxysmal Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by sudden, episodic increases in blood pressure. These episodes can last from a few minutes to several hours and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, sweating, and palpitations.

Etiology

The exact cause of paroxysmal hypertension is unknown. However, it is often associated with certain medical conditions such as pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor of the adrenal glands, and hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland. It can also be triggered by certain medications, stress, or anxiety.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of paroxysmal hypertension is a sudden, dramatic increase in blood pressure. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including headache, sweating, palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to more serious complications such as stroke or heart attack.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of paroxysmal hypertension typically involves a series of blood pressure measurements taken over time. Additional tests may be performed to rule out underlying conditions, such as a urine test to check for elevated levels of certain hormones associated with pheochromocytoma.

Treatment

Treatment for paroxysmal hypertension typically involves managing the underlying condition or trigger. This may involve medication to control blood pressure, lifestyle changes to reduce stress, or surgery to remove a pheochromocytoma tumor.

See Also

• Hypertension
• Pheochromocytoma
• Hyperthyroidism

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