Malignant hypertension, a severe form of hypertension, is pronounced as /məˈlɪɡnənt haɪpərˈtenʃən/. The first syllable "mal" is pronounced with a schwa sound and the stress falls on the second syllable "lig". The "t" in "tension" is silent and the stress falls on the second syllable "ten". The word "malignant" is spelled with "gn" because it comes from the Latin word "malignus" meaning "wicked". The spelling of this medical term can be tricky, but its importance in identifying and treating a serious health condition cannot be overstated.
Malignant hypertension is a severe and life-threatening form of high blood pressure characterized by a rapid and substantial increase in blood pressure levels. Also known as hypertensive emergency, this condition typically occurs when blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels, reaching systolic levels of 180 mmHg or higher, and diastolic levels of 120 mmHg or higher.
Unlike typical cases of hypertension, malignant hypertension is characterized by rapidly progressive symptoms, including severe headaches, blurred vision, chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, congestive heart failure, or kidney damage.
The underlying causes of malignant hypertension may include pre-existing high blood pressure, kidney disease, hormonal disorders, certain medications, or conditions that affect the blood vessels. It most commonly affects individuals who already have a history of hypertension but have not been managing it effectively.
Immediate medical attention is necessary for malignant hypertension, as the rapid blood pressure increase can cause damage to vital organs. Treatment usually involves hospitalization and the use of intravenous medications to bring the blood pressure down gradually and prevent organ damage. Once the blood pressure is controlled, further management typically involves lifestyle changes and ongoing monitoring to prevent future episodes of malignant hypertension.
The word "malignant hypertension" can be broken down into two parts: "malignant" and "hypertension".
The term "malignant" comes from the Latin word "malignus", which means "evil" or "harmful". It is derived from the Latin word "malus", meaning "bad" or "wicked". In medical terminology, "malignant" is often used to describe a severe or rapidly progressive condition that can be life-threatening.
The term "hypertension" is derived from the Latin words "hyper", meaning "above" or "beyond", and "tensio", meaning "pressure". "Hypertension" refers to abnormally high blood pressure, which can have detrimental effects on various organs and systems of the body.