Disorder - Hypertension

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative Names
Systemic hypertension

Presenting Signs

Hypertension is high blood pressure. This is usually secondary to hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid gland) or renal (kidney) disease. Sustained hypertension causes damage to other organs, termed 'end' organs, specifically, the heart, eyes, kidneys and brain. Cats with hypertension may present with symptoms related to the underlying disease, e.g. drinking and urinating excessively as a result of renal disease, or signs related to damaged end organs, e.g. blindness if retinas (part of the eye) have become detached. Hypertension also contributes to the progression of renal disease. A heart murmur in a hypertensive cat is also a common presenting sign and may be due to the damaging effects of hypertension on the heart, or to underlying hyperthyroidism.

Cats at Risk

Hypertension is usually a disease of older cats. The average age of affected individuals is variably reported as between approximately thirteen to fifteen years. Some studies have found a male predisposition although females are also commonly affected.

Treatment

Medical: treatment is aimed at normalising blood pressure. Underlying kidney disease and/or hyperthyroidism must also be addressed. Combination therapies are most successful with first line drugs including calcium channel blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Beta-adrenergic receptor inhibitors and diuretics may be useful. A low sodium diet is often beneficial.

PubMed References
Hypertension

Contributor
Louise Rabbitt