Special Categories of Hypertension

There are several special categories of hypertension that require specific considerations for diagnosis and treatment. These categories include:

  1. White coat hypertension: This refers to a condition in which a person’s blood pressure is elevated only when measured in a medical setting, such as a doctor’s office. This can be caused by anxiety related to medical settings or other factors, and is not necessarily indicative of true hypertension.
  2. Masked hypertension: This refers to a condition in which a person’s blood pressure is normal when measured in a medical setting, but elevated at other times, such as during daily activities or sleep.
  3. Resistant hypertension: This refers to a condition in which a person’s blood pressure remains elevated despite the use of multiple medications.
  4. Pregnancy-induced hypertension: This refers to high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy and can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy.
  5. Hypertensive crisis: This refers to a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure that can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the specific type of hypertension and the best course of treatment.