Hypertension (aka High Blood Pressure)
Science has long shown that pet ownership can reduce our stress, boost our moods, and even lower our blood pressure. However, hypertension is a two-way street - how can we in turn help manage our own pet’s blood pressure, and why is this important?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can significantly impact both human and animal health and develops more commonly with age. It occurs when the blood vessels are too small or too inelastic to accommodate the large volume and high pressure of blood flow. If the vessel is no longer able to accommodate blood flow, the blood is unable to stay within the vessel, and bleeding results. Additionally, the risk of embolism or blood clot formation increases - these clots have the capability to travel and lodge within other vessels, damaging or disrupting blood flow completely, which can cause significant damage.
The retina of the eye is a particularly vulnerable area since the vessels are so innately small. High blood pressure can cause retinal bleeding, and sufficient pressure can even cause the retina to detach from the eye, resulting in temporary or permanent blindness. The kidneys also rely upon small vessels to help filter the blood, and therefore high blood pressure can accelerate kidney disease. The heart is another organ susceptible to high blood pressure, which can cause scarring and lead to inflexibility of the heart muscle, impairing overall heart function. Lastly, the brain is the other main organ affected by high blood pressure. A blood clot in the brain can result in a stroke, which is potentially life-threatening.
Blood pressure readings provide insight into the health and well-being of our pets. We most often see high blood pressure as a consequence of an underlying health issue, rather than a primary cause. Conditions such as kidney disease, metabolic or endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism, hyperaldosteronism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), and even diabetes can all cause hypertension. Therefore, pets with any of these chronic issues should have their blood pressure routinely monitored.
Blood pressure readings help triage urgent or critical cases. They may indicate hydration status, cardiovascular function, can help determine blood loss or internal bleeding, and can even help assess for neurologic impairment.
So, what to do if your pet has hypertension? First off, take a couple of deep breaths and try to relax, as their high blood pressure should not escalate your own! Figuring out and appropriately treating the primary cause will help correct high blood pressure. Anti-hypertensive medication is often indicated, which typically acts to help dilate the blood vessels to better accommodate blood flow. Sometimes multiple medications are needed in order to get the blood pressure into an acceptable range.
The next time your pet has a blood pressure reading, the best thing you can do is to stay calm and keep your pet relaxed, as this will provide the most accurate reading. We often perform blood pressure readings at separate appointments or at the beginning of a wellness appointment, as we don’t want the stress of an exam or vaccines to affect the results. While transient hypertension due to stress and nervousness is normal and expected, we always take the entire picture into account when interpreting blood pressure readings, such as the situation for presentation, patient history, and patient demeanor. Our goal is to help take the pressure off high blood pressure, so remember to stay calm and keep those blood vessels relaxed!
Written by Dr. Lauren Gottlieb