The disorder affects about 1% of people with high blood pressure, including both children and adults. It is more common in younger adults, especially African American men. It also occurs in women with toxemia of pregnancy, and people with kidney disorders or collagen vascular disorders. You are at high risk for malignant hypertension if you have had kidney (renal) failure or renal hypertension caused by renal artery stenosis.
Malignant hypertension is a medical emergency. Many body systems are in serious risk due to the extreme elevation of blood pressure. Multiple organs of the body, including the brain, eyes, blood vessels, heart, and kidneys may sustain damage. The blood vessels of the kidney are highly susceptible to damage caused by pressure, and kidney failure may develop, which may be permanent.
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