Under pressure

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood moving through the body’s blood vessels. When it stays too high over time, it is called hypertension. High blood pressure is often linked to another health issue, most commonly chronic kidney disease, heart disease or hyperthyroidism, especially in older cats.

Why is maintaining normal blood pressure important?

High blood pressure can quietly damage several organs before there are any obvious signs, such as:

• Eyes, including causing irreversible blindness
• Heart and blood vessels
• Kidneys
• Brain, including causing bleeding in the brain.
• High blood pressure can also worsen existing conditions, so it is especially important to monitor older pets and animals with conditions such as kidney disease, Cushing’s disease or hyperthyroidism.

How is it measured?

Blood pressure can be measured using special equipment during a vet visit. The aim is to identify abnormal readings early so treatment can begin before serious organ damage occurs.

Vets group the risk of organ damage into four levels based on the systolic blood pressure reading:

• Under 150 mm Hg = low risk
• 150–159 mm Hg = mild risk
• 160–179 mm Hg = moderate risk
• 180 mm Hg or higher = severe risk

Many pets with high blood pressure do not show signs until the reading is very high, which is why routine checks are so valuable. Once treatment is started, blood pressure is checked regularly at first, then every few months once it is stable. Your vet may also recommend periodic blood and urine tests to monitor overall health.

Can it be treated?

Yes. High blood pressure can often be managed with medication and regular monitoring. Treatment also focuses on identifying and managing any underlying illness, such as kidney disease, heart disease or hyperthyroidism. The earlier the hypertension is identified, the earlier treatment can start so the risk of severe organ damage is minimised as much as possible. If the blood pressure has been high for quite some time already, there can be irreversible damage that has already occurred, so treatment also takes this into consideration.

Clinical Signs

Many pets with high blood pressure show no obvious signs at first. One of the most common signs, especially in cats, is sudden blindness. Blood tests may also help identify conditions that can cause high blood pressure, such as kidney disease, heart disease or hyperthyroidism.

• Eye problems are the most common complication in cats with high blood pressure. This can range from subtle changes seen during an eye exam to retinal detachment and blindness. In some cases, eyesight may improve if treatment starts quickly, but permanent blindness can also occur.
• High blood pressure can also affect the brain and nervous system. Pets may seem disoriented, unsteady, weak, or may have seizures. These signs can sometimes improve if treatment is started early.
• Kidney damage can worsen with high blood pressure, especially in pets that already have chronic kidney disease. It can also increase protein loss in the urine, which may affect long-term health.
• The heart also works harder when there is high blood pressure, which can lead to changes in the heart muscle. These changes are fairly common in cats with hypertension, although severe heart complications are less common.

Prognosis

With regular medication and check-ups, high blood pressure in pets can often be managed well. Some effects, such as blindness, may be permanent, while others can improve with treatment.

Without treatment, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications, including blindness, seizures and heart damage. Regular vet visits are important, especially for older pets and those with kidney disease, heart disease or hyperthyroidism, because early detection and treatment can help prevent severe damage.

Book now at your local Animates Vetcare clinic to get your pet’s health checked.

Article disclaimer: The above information is provided for pet owner education only and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional veterinary medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a veterinarian. Animates Vetcare disclaims liability for any damages or losses, direct or indirect, that may result from the use of or reliance on information provided in this article. If you are concerned your pet may have a health condition, please contact your local veterinary clinic for advice.