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There are two major types of hypertension and four more not so common types, including Malignant Hypertension, Isolated Systolic Hypertension, White Coat Hypertension and Resistant Hypertension.
Malignant Hypertension
This, the most severe form of hypertension, is severe and progressive. It rapidly leads to organ damage. Unless properly treated, it is fatal within five years for the majority of patients. Death usually comes from heart failure, kidney damage or brain haemorrhage.
However, aggressive treatment can reverse the condition, and prevent its complications. Malignant hypertension is becoming relatively rare, and is not caused by cancer or malignancy.
(Dr Kathleen Coetzee, MBChB)
