What Is Systemic Hypertension?

Systemic hypertension means your pet’s blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. Just like in humans, high blood pressure can silently damage important organs including the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain. Some cats may succumb to heart failure.

 

• Normal: <150 mmHg

• Pre-hypertensive: 150–159 mmHg

• Hypertensive: 160–179 mmHg

• Severe: ≥180 mmHg 

 

Many pets show no obvious signs until significant injury has already occurred.

 

What Causes High Blood Pressure in Pets?

Most cases in pets are secondary hypertension, meaning it happens because of another underlying disease. Common causes include:

In Cats

• Chronic kidney disease

• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)

• Diabetes mellitus

 

In Dogs

• Chronic kidney disease

• Cushing’s disease

• Diabetes mellitus

• Cancer (pheochromocytoma)

 

When the primary cause cannot be identified, it is called idiopathic.

 

For senior pets or those with any of the conditions mentioned above, it’s a good idea to check their blood pressure regularly. 

 

Video above shows how to take blood pressure in pets

 

How Do We Diagnose It?

Diagnosing high blood pressure in pets requires accurate and repeated measurements, usually taken during a calm moment:

1. Take multiple blood pressure readings with a proper-sized cuff

2. In a calm, quiet environment

3. Check for organ damage, especially:

• Eyes (retinal exam)

• Kidneys (blood/urine tests)

• Heart (echocardiogram)

• Neurological signs

 

 

Diagnosing systemic hypertension in pets can be challenging because stress and anxiety, often called the “white-coat effect”, can temporarily raise blood pressure. To avoid misdiagnosis, I usually take several readings at different times or in different locations. In some cases, I may also ask owners to measure their pet’s blood pressure at home, where the pet is more relaxed.

 

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may involve:

• Medications (amlodipine, ACE inhibitor) to lower blood pressures

• Treating the primary disease (kidney, thyroid, or hormonal issues)

• Monitoring blood pressure regularly and adjusting medication when needed

• Dietary management – eg sodium restriction

Most pets respond very well once treatment begins, especially when caught early.

 

Take-Home Message

High blood pressure in pets is common, especially in older dogs and cats, and it is often a silent condition. Because it may show no early symptoms, regular screening in predisposed pets is one of the best ways to protect their health.