What is the precursor of sudden increase in blood pressure

Sudden increase in blood pressure may be a precursor to diseases such as hypertensive crisis, pheochromocytoma, renal artery stenosis, hyperthyroidism, or acute nephritis. Sudden increase in blood pressure is usually associated with vascular abnormalities, endocrine disorders, kidney disease, and other factors, and should be comprehensively judged in conjunction with accompanying symptoms.

1. Hypertension crisis:

In the short term, blood pressure rises sharply to 180/120 mmHg or above, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, and chest pain. This situation is common in hypertensive patients who do not take medication regularly, or are influenced by emotional excitement, cold stimulation, and other factors. Immediate medical attention is required for intravenous hypotension treatment to avoid triggering cerebral hemorrhage or acute heart failure.

2. Pheochromocytoma:

Adrenal tumors cause abnormal secretion of catecholamines, manifested as paroxysmal sudden increases in blood pressure accompanied by palpitations, sweating, and pale complexion. During an attack, blood pressure can reach 200/130 mmHg, usually lasting for several minutes to hours. Diagnosis requires 24-hour urine catecholamine testing and adrenal CT examination, and surgical resection of the tumor is the curative method.

3. Renal artery stenosis:

Renal vascular disease triggers activation of the renin-angiotensin system, manifested as uncontrollable blood pressure fluctuations. It is common in patients with atherosclerosis or arteritis, and renal vascular murmur can be heard during physical examination. Angiography is the gold standard for diagnosis, and treatment includes angioplasty or bypass surgery.

4. Hyperthyroidism:

Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones leads to metabolic hyperactivity, resulting in symptoms such as increased systolic blood pressure, increased pulse pressure, weight loss, and hand tremors. Blood tests show a decrease in TSH and an increase in FT3/FT4. Antithyroid drugs such as methimazole can control the symptoms, and severe cases require radioactive iodine treatment.

5. Acute nephritis:

After streptococcal infection, immune response triggers glomerular inflammation, manifested as sudden increase in blood pressure accompanied by hematuria, proteinuria, and edema. It is common in children and adolescents, and it is necessary to test for anti chain O antibodies and complement C3. Treatment mainly involves bed rest and a salt restricted diet, and if necessary, diuretics should be used to control blood pressure. When there is a sudden increase in blood pressure, one should immediately stop moving and maintain a sitting position, monitor changes in blood pressure, and record the values. Daily intake of sodium should be limited to less than 6 grams per day, and potassium rich foods such as bananas and spinach should be increased. Regularly engage in aerobic exercises such as brisk walking and swimming, for at least 150 minutes per week. Avoid staying up late and experiencing emotional fluctuations, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. It is recommended to keep an electronic blood pressure monitor at home, measure it once in the morning and once in the evening, and establish a health record. If there are two or more occurrences of blood pressure exceeding 160/100 mmHg within a week, or accompanied by severe headaches, vomiting, and other symptoms, emergency medical attention should be sought to investigate the cause of secondary hypertension.