Blood pressure measurement

In pets, unlike in humans, high blood pressure usually develops secondarily as a result of an underlying disease affecting an organ. Most commonly, it is associated with kidney problems or hormonal disorders. Blood pressure measurement is recommended in all cases where clinical signs caused by high blood pressure are present, or when there is suspicion of abnormal blood pressure based on the animal’s condition.

It is also recommended to perform annual blood pressure measurements in older animals (over 10 years of age), regardless of other symptoms or diseases, as a screening measure. The aim is to detect conditions causing high blood pressure at an early stage - before clinical symptoms appear - and to prevent organ damage (e.g. blindness) resulting from untreated hypertension. High blood pressure is particularly common in cats.

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High blood pressure may occur in the following cases:

In animals with kidney disease

In cases of Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism)

In cases of adrenal tumors

In cases of diabetes

In cases of hyperthyroidism (in cats)

In cases of left ventricular wall thickening detected by cardiac ultrasound, as well as in cats with heart murmurs and arrhythmias (gallop rhythm)

Sudden blindness (fully dilated pupils), hemorrhages in the eye (retinal detachment, dilated retinal vessels), nosebleeds

Neurological symptoms: seizures, altered consciousness, unconsciousness, sudden behavioral changes, uncoordinated movement (stroke, brain edema)

Drinks and urinates more than usual

Weight loss despite a good appetite (in cats)

High blood pressure may occour in the following cases:

Hirtelen megvakulás ( pupilla teljesen kitágul) , bevérzések a szemen ( retina leválás, kitágult retina erek), orrvérzés

Idegrendszeri tünetek: görcsök, tudatzavar, öntudatlan állapotot, viselkedés hirtelen megváltozása, inkoordinált mozgás (agyvérzés, agyödéma)

Mellékvese daganatnál

Megszokottnál többet iszik és vizel

Testtömeg-fogyása jó étvágy mellett (macskák)

Symptoms indicating low blood pressure

Fainting, unsteady movement, weakness, drowsiness (may occur especially in animals receiving antihypertensive medication)

The normal blood pressure value in animals is also around 120/80 mmHg, although stress in the clinic may raise it up to a maximum of 160/100 mmHg. Blood pressure can be considered high if values above 150 -160 mmHg are measured on two separate occasions. Abnormally low blood pressure is defined as values below 80 mmHg. To avoid stress-induced high blood pressure, it is important to ensure the calmest possible conditions during the examination.

At each visit, 3-7 consecutive measurements are taken, and the average of these readings is calculated.

Antihypertensive medication can be initiated if elevated values are confirmed by at least two measurements. Further diagnostic tests are recommended to determine the underlying causes and any secondary organ damage (complete blood panel, thyroid hormone testing, urinalysis, abdominal and cardiac ultrasound, ophthalmic examination). If secondary organ damage is already suspected, antihypertensive therapy should be started immediately. A follow-up measurement is recommended a few days after starting treatment, and blood pressure should continue to be monitored regularly thereafter (weekly or every two weeks).

If the animal does not show symptoms of high blood pressure but has an underlying condition that predisposes it to hypertension, treatment should also be initiated if values exceed 160 mmHg, in order to prevent secondary organ damage.

Mildly elevated blood pressure (150–160 mmHg) is usually not treated, but monthly monitoring is recommended.

Blood pressure measurement for your pet is available at our clinic. Please contact us by phone in advance to schedule an appointment.