What does hypertensive encephalopathy refer to?

Hypertensive encephalopathy mainly refers to a series of adverse symptoms caused by a sudden increase in blood pressure that exceeds the range of automatic regulation of cerebral blood flow, such as temporary cerebral circulation disorders. The causes of hypertensive encephalopathy include primary hypertension or secondary hypertension.

Hypertensive encephalopathy refers to a series of clinical manifestations of temporary cerebral circulatory dysfunction caused by a sudden increase in blood pressure that exceeds the threshold of cerebral blood flow autoregulation (central aortic pressure greater than 140 mmHg), resulting in hyperperfusion of cerebral blood flow, excessive capillary pressure, and increased permeability, leading to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure, and even the formation of brain herniation.

1. Essential hypertension

The incidence of hypertensive encephalopathy is about 1% among patients with primary hypertension. It is more likely to occur in those with a long history of hypertension and obvious cerebral vascular sclerosis. It may also occur in patients who previously had normal blood pressure but suddenly develop hypertension, such as patients with rapid hypertension and acute glomerulonephritis. Hypertensive patients with renal failure are also prone to hypertensive encephalopathy.

2. Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension such as hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy, glomerulonephritis-related hypertension, renal artery stenosis, and pheochromocytoma are prone to hypertensive encephalopathy.

3. Certain drugs or foods induce hypertensive encephalopathy

Rarely, patients with hypertension who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors while also taking rauwolfia, methyldopa, or postganglionic sympathetic inhibitors may develop symptoms similar to those of hypertensive encephalopathy. Eating foods rich in amines can also induce hypertensive encephalopathy.

4. After carotid endarterectomy

After carotid endarterectomy in patients with severe carotid stenosis, a sudden increase in cerebral perfusion can also cause hypertensive encephalopathy.

Hypertension is a very harmful disease. Patients mainly rely on long-term antihypertensive drugs and daily diet to control it, but patients still need to pay attention to avoid the occurrence of various complications.