What causes sudden death in patients with hypertension?
Nov 05, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
In general, sudden death due to hypertension may result from a sharp increase in blood pressure, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, renal failure, cerebral hemorrhage, and other causes. If patients experience physical discomfort, they are advised to seek medical attention promptly. To prevent sudden death from hypertension, patients should regularly monitor their blood pressure, maintain stable blood pressure, keep emotional stability, and avoid excessive fatigue and emotional fluctuations.
In general, sudden death in patients with hypertension may be caused by a sharp rise in blood pressure, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, renal failure, or cerebral hemorrhage. If patients experience any physical discomfort, they should seek medical attention promptly.
1. Sudden Increase in Blood Pressure
If a hypertensive patient experiences a rapid spike in blood pressure exceeding the capacity of blood vessel walls, it may lead to vessel rupture or severe vasospasm, thereby impairing blood supply to vital organs such as the heart and brain. The patient may develop symptoms of increased intracranial pressure, including headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. In severe cases, this can result in sudden death. It is essential to follow medical advice and administer intravenous antihypertensive drugs to rapidly lower blood pressure, such as sodium nitroprusside for injection, urapidil hydrochloride injection, or nicardipine hydrochloride injection.
2. Coronary Atherosclerosis
Elevated blood pressure accelerates damage to the inner lining of the coronary arteries, promoting lipid deposition and plaque formation, which can lead to coronary artery narrowing or occlusion. Patients may experience chest pain and shortness of breath. Without timely treatment, sudden death may occur. It is recommended to take antihypertensive medications under medical supervision, such as enalapril maleate tablets, metoprolol tartrate sustained-release tablets, or amlodipine losartan potassium tablets.
3. Myocardial Infarction
Hypertension may lead to coronary atherosclerosis and arterial narrowing. When blood pressure rises, coronary artery spasm or thrombosis may occur, resulting in severe ischemia and necrosis of the myocardium. Patients may experience chest pain, chest tightness, and palpitations. In severe cases, arrhythmias, heart failure, or even sudden death may develop. Immediate reperfusion therapy should be initiated under medical guidance, such as thrombolytic therapy or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
4. Renal Failure
Hypertension can damage renal blood vessels, leading to glomerulosclerosis and ultimately renal failure. When kidney function fails, toxins cannot be effectively eliminated from the body, causing electrolyte imbalances that affect cardiac function and increase the heart's workload, potentially leading to sudden death. Once this condition is detected, blood pressure must be controlled, and medications such as captopril tablets, benazepril hydrochloride tablets, or losartan potassium tablets should be taken as prescribed.
5. Cerebral Hemorrhage
If high blood pressure remains untreated over a long period, it can cause cerebral arteriosclerosis and the formation of microaneurysms. When blood pressure suddenly increases, these aneurysms may rupture and bleed, compressing brain tissue and leading to neurological dysfunction or even sudden death. Treatment should follow medical advice and include measures such as dehydration to reduce intracranial pressure, blood pressure control, and prevention of complications. After stabilization, treatment options—either surgical or conservative—are determined based on the volume and location of the hemorrhage.
To prevent sudden death due to hypertension, patients should regularly monitor their blood pressure, maintain good blood pressure control, keep emotions stable, and avoid excessive fatigue and emotional fluctuations.
