What Is Systemic Hypertension?

Systemic hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. When blood pressure is abnormally high, this places extra stress on the heart, which has to pump harder against this increase in pressure. Additionally, high blood pressure can harm other organs with sensitive blood vessels, such as the kidneys, eyes, and brain. Pets with high blood pressure rarely show obvious outward signs until the changes are severe. This means that regular blood pressure monitoring in patients with risk factors is important so systemic hypertension can be detected early and treatment initiated if needed.

Common situations where we screen for systemic hypertension include:

• Older patients (middle aged or senior pets)

• Pets with chronic kidney disease

• Pets with endocrine disorders

• Cardiac patients with structural heart changes

For this reason, blood pressure is frequently recommended at cardiology visits, particularly for new patients or patients with certain concurrent conditions.

Does Heart Disease Cause Systemic Hypertension?

In short, no – this is a common misconception. Although systemic hypertension can affect the heart, or complicate pre-existing heart disease, it is important to understand that it is rarely (if ever) caused by the heart itself. Most commonly, systemic hypertension arises from endocrine disease, kidney disease, or a primary blood vessel disorder. However, because systemic hypertension puts extra strain on the heart, it is important to manage blood pressure to optimize heart health.

How Is Blood Pressure Measured in Pets?

To measure blood pressure, the pet lies on their side in a calm environment. A blood pressure cuff is selected based on the pet’s size and placed around the leg, or sometimes the tail in cats. From here, our team will measure either:

• Oscillometric blood pressure: A machine automatically inflates the cuff, slowly deflates the cuff, then reports the blood pressure.

• Doppler blood pressure: A sound-transmitting device is placed on the pet’s pulse (on the paw or tail). The blood pressure cuff is manually inflated. The team member listens to when the pulse becomes audible as the cuff is slowly deflated manually, and uses this to determine blood pressure.

Because stress can cause increased blood pressure, we strive to ensure pets are as calm as possible while measurements are made. However, some pets still may be stressed despite our efforts. In some cases, it may be recommended to give oral calming medications prior to a visit where the blood pressure is measured. This is done to reduce the influence of stress on blood pressure and therefore obtain a more accurate measurement.

How is Systemic Hypertension Managed?

Systemic hypertension is typically managed with medication. However, the treatment plan may depend on the underlying cause of the systemic hypertension, as well as any other health conditions your pet has.

For this reason, when systemic hypertension is discovered, additional work-up may be recommended. These work-ups are usually supported by the Cardiology service but directed by other veterinarians because heart disease is not typically the cause. Your pet’s care team may include an emergency veterinarian, internal medicine specialist, your primary care veterinarian, and/or other specialists involved in the case. We strive to ensure that our teams work together seamlessly to make the best decisions for your pet’s well-being.

Once systemic hypertension has been diagnosed and medication started, rechecks are needed to re-measure blood pressure and ensure the dose is sufficient.

A Steady, Compassionate Partner in Heart Health

Heart-related diagnoses can feel overwhelming. Whether your pet is referred by your veterinarian or arrives through Emergency, our cardiology team provides calm, detailed evaluation and clear recommendations.

At Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital, advanced diagnostics and thoughtful treatment are seamless parts of coordinated care.

Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital Cardiology & 24-Hour Emergency Care in Woburn, MA

Expert Care When It Matters Most