Neurologic changes can be seen in between 15-40% of cats with hypertension. In some cases, blindness caused by hypertension can be reversed if treated very quickly, but in the majority of cases, it is unfortunately permanent. Ocular problems are the most common target organ injury seen in cats with hypertension, ranging from retinal detachment causing blindness to more subtle signs such as bleeding or swelling in the back of the eye that can be observed during a clinical eye exam. This consequence of systemic hypertension is called target organ injury, and the organs most at risk for damage in cats with high blood pressure are the eyes, brain, kidney and heart. Conversely, if a cat is diagnosed with systemic hypertension, screening tests for these underlying conditions should be carried out.Ĭhronically increased pressure within a cat’s blood vessels can cause injury to tissues and organs within the body. Readings between 150 and 180mmHg are in the category of mild or moderate hypertension.Īs mentioned above, systemic hypertension is very often related to underlying diseases in the cat, so it is recommended that cats diagnosed with other common health conditions - such as chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or heart disease - have their blood pressure monitored regularly. A consistent measurement of systolic blood pressure below 150mmHg is considered low risk for systemic hypertension, while readings above 180mmHg put a cat in the category of high risk. Veterinarians take this into consideration when making a diagnosis.
Because most cats are expected to experience some degree of white coat hypertension, it is unlikely to get a truly normal blood pressure reading in the hospital. Systolic blood pressure, or the blood pressure in the arteries that is recorded when the heart contracts, is the most important measurement when diagnosing a cat with hypertension. Even with these precautions, it is often recommended to repeat the measurement on a separate day before confirming a diagnosis of hypertension, unless the cat has consistent clinical signs or a predisposing condition.
Because the stress of veterinary visits can lead to a situational increase in blood pressure, or white coat hypertension, it is recommended that these measurements be taken before other stressful procedures, in a quiet room where the cat has had at least 5-10 minutes to acclimate. For accurate readings, it is important that this measurement be taken several times by an experienced practitioner using the appropriate cuff size, and excessive movement or restraint can lead to inaccurate measurements. In some cases, however, no underlying cause is identified, indicating primary hypertension.īlood pressure is measured in the veterinary clinic or hospital using either a Doppler ultrasound device or an oscillometric device attached to a cuff placed on a cat’s front leg or tail. Less common diseases such as hyperaldosteronism, hyperadrenocorticism, or pheochromocytomas can also be related to hypertension in cats. About 20% of cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, another common disease of older felines, are diagnosed with hypertension as well. At least 60% of cats diagnosed with hypertension also have signs of CKD. The most common of these diseases is chronic kidney disease (CKD). In cats, secondary hypertension, which is related to an underlying systemic disease process that disrupts the body’s regulatory systems responsible for maintaining normal blood pressure, is the most common form of this hypertension. Hypertension, or persistent elevation in blood pressure, is a relatively common and potentially serious threat to feline health. Feline Vision Problems: A Host of Possible Causes
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