Causes of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Written by Zhao Li Li

Obstetrics

Updated on September 27, 2024

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There are many reasons that can lead to the occurrence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Normally, due to reasons related to the mother herself or being under the age of 18 or over 35, the risk of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy may increase. Additionally, dietary and environmental influences such as a high-salt diet, excessive fatigue, and mental stress can lead to the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension. In some cases, after the development of pregnancy-induced hypertension, it may trigger diseases in other organ systems, leading to severe issues with the placenta, causing complications such as placental abruption, hypoalbuminemia, and cerebrovascular accidents.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

54sec

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Causes of high blood pressure

Hypertension is clinically divided into primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension is characterized by elevated blood pressure without other symptoms, and the current clinical diagnostic methods cannot determine the cause of the blood pressure rise, which is referred to as primary hypertension. Secondary hypertension occurs as a result of other diseases, with the most common being hyperthyroidism, glomerulonephritis, arteritis, atherosclerosis, and other diseases causing high blood pressure. After the onset of hypertension, effective antihypertensive drugs must be used for treatment. Hypertension is not to be feared, but the damage it causes to the body is. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician)

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Written by Li Qiang

Intensive Care Unit

1min 31sec

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Difference between hypertensive encephalopathy and malignant hypertension

The difference between hypertensive encephalopathy and malignant hypertension can be discerned from their names, indicating they are different conditions. Hypertensive encephalopathy refers to a condition where blood pressure rises sharply in a short period, with diastolic pressure exceeding 120 mmHg and systolic pressure exceeding 200 mmHg. This dramatic increase in blood pressure causes cerebral vasospasm and increased cerebral perfusion pressure, leading to various manifestations of cerebral edema, primarily severe headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and even brain herniation. The emphasis is on the rapid rise in blood pressure over a short term and its impact on the brain, specifically cerebral edema. Malignant hypertension also involves a rapid increase in blood pressure to extremely high levels over a short period. However, the focus of malignant hypertension is on the impact on multiple organs throughout the body, including the brain, but also severely affecting the heart, potentially causing acute left heart failure and pulmonary edema. In the kidneys, it can lead to acute renal failure, characterized by reduced urine output or anuria. Thus, malignant hypertension emphasizes the effects on multiple vital organs, whereas hypertensive encephalopathy focuses primarily on the impact on the brain and central nervous system. Hence, there are some distinctions between the two conditions.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

1min 27sec

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The difference between hypertensive nephropathy and renal hypertension

Hypertensive nephropathy and hypertension due to kidney disease need to be differentiated, as this affects the treatment approach and prognosis assessment differently. Hypertensive nephropathy refers to patients with long-term high blood pressure, which causes arteriosclerosis of small vessels leading to renal pathology. Often, there is also arteriosclerosis in other organs, such as the retinal arteries, which can be confirmed through funduscopic examination. On the other hand, hypertension due to kidney disease occurs when a patient has kidney disease first followed by hypertension, where the causes and types of kidney diseases vary and can frequently lead to hypertension. The difference between the two lies in the sequence of occurrence. Hypertensive nephropathy is characterized by initial high blood pressure and commonly associated with arteriosclerosis in other vessels, which can be preliminarily identified through funduscopic examination. In cases of hypertension due to kidney disease, the patient has other kidney disorders first, followed by hypertension. If a patient's 24-hour urine protein quantification exceeds 2g, it is likely due to kidney disease rather than hypertensive nephropathy. If differentiation remains challenging, kidney biopsy can be performed for further differentiation.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei

Cardiology

56sec

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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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Written by Li Hai Wen

Cardiology

53sec

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Normal blood pressure, high blood pressure, and low blood pressure ranges.

Normal adult systolic blood pressure is between 90-139mmHg, and diastolic pressure is between 60-89mmHg. When the systolic pressure exceeds 140mmHg and the diastolic pressure exceeds 90mmHg, this condition is medically referred to as hypertension. When the systolic pressure is below 90mmHg and the diastolic pressure is below 60mmHg, this condition is medically referred to as hypotension. Regardless of whether it is hypertension or hypotension, it often causes symptoms in patients, such as headache, dizziness, and fatigue. Therefore, whether it is hypertension or hypotension, one should visit the hospital's department of cardiology for a formal examination. The doctor will assess the situation on-site to determine if treatment is necessary and how to administer it.