Special Categories of Hypertension
There are several special categories of hypertension that require specific considerations for diagnosis and treatment. These categories include:
- 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.
- 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.
- Resistant hypertension: This refers to a condition in which a person’s blood pressure remains elevated despite the use of multiple medications.
- 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.
- 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.