In general, there are mainly two types of high blood pressure – primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. However, they account for only 90% of all high blood pressure cases. There are several other types of cases that make up the remaining 10% of all high blood pressure diagnosis. Here, it is very important for you to understand that just because these cases are uncommon, they are no less important. Always remember, when it comes to preventing and controlling a particular disease, information plays a key role. The more informed you are, the better you can protect your health. Following is a brief rundown on what signs you need to watch out for and how to monitor your condition.
Whitecoat Hypertension
This is one of the most common types of high blood pressure. The condition is very interesting also, as it occurs only when you make a visit to the doctor. It means your blood pressure maybe quite normal at home, but when you are at the doctor’s office, it may get elevated to a very high level. Though it may look like the result of fear and stress that many people get when they have to make a visit to the doctor, but it may also indicate a very serious underlying problem. Therefore, you are strongly recommended not to ignore it. Instead, you should request your doctor to do a proper evaluation.
Pseudohypertension
Though uncommon, yet pseudohypertension can be a very confusing condition. In this case, even if your blood pressure is normal, the measuring equipment may show it to be alarmingly high. This way¸ when you start taking the treatment to lower your blood pressure, it actually causes the blood pressure to drop too low (as it was already normal and you are trying to lower it further). This may lead to conditions like fainting, confusion, and dizziness. People older than 55 years are more prone to this type of hypertension.
Malignant Hypertension
Malignant hypertension is one of the most dangerous types of high blood pressure. It is a very serious condition and can be life threatening. It may lead brain damage, retinal bleeding, liver failure, and kidney damage. It develops very quickly. It is very important for patients to get prompt medical attention in this condition.
Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension is also a rare condition, but it is unique as well – in a sense that only a specific part of the circulatory system is affected because of it. It mainly affects the part that connects the heart and lungs. Therefore, if left untreated, the condition can be critical to life.
Resistant hypertension is one of the types of high blood pressure. The most difficult thing about this disease is that it does not respond to regular treatments that are otherwise considered as adequate to control high blood pressure. The right treatment, however, is still possible, if you do as your doctor tells you to do.