Hypertensive crisis
A severe and potentially life-threatening increase in blood pressure . A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency. When the blood pressure rises to levels of 180/110 or greater, the blood vessels and organs may become damaged. This damage can be manifested as a number of conditions including stroke, heart attack, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), a tear in the main artery of the body, the aorta (known as an aortic dissection), and eclampsia (during pregnancy).
Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis can include the symptoms typical for a stroke or heart attack; difficulty breathing, changes in mental status, and severe headache may also occur. Immediate medical attention is required for a severe increase in blood pressure. Treatment can involve hospitalization and the use of oral and/or intravenous medications.
Read Also:
- Hyperthermia
Overheating of the body, possibly due to extreme weather conditions. Unrelieved hyperthermia can lead to collapse and death, particularly in the elderly. Hyperthermia can be prevented in many cases through use of air conditioning and ventilation, as well as by ensuring that vulnerable persons drink extra water. In emergency cases of hyperthermia, injections of saline […]
- Hyperthermia, malignant
Dantrium) and rapid cooling of the patient.
- Hyperthyroid
Having an excessive amount of thyroid hormone resulting from an overactive thyroid gland or from taking too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include increased heart rate, weight loss, depression, and cognitive slowing. Treatment can include medications, the use of radioactive iodine, thyroid surgery, or a reduction in the dose of thyroid hormone.
- Hypertonia
Increased tightness of muscle tone and reduced capacity of the muscle to stretch caused by damage to the motor nerve pathways in the central nervous system. Untreated hypertonia can lead to loss of function and deformity. Treatment can include physical and/or occupational therapy or medications. Injections of botulism toxin (botox) are sometimes used in the […]
- Hypertonic solution
A solution that contains more dissolved particles (such as salt and other electrolytes) than is found in normal cells and blood. For example, hypertonic solutions are used for soaking wounds.