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$Title{Retinopathy, Hypertensive}
$Subject{Retinopathy Hypertensive }
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Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

328:
Retinopathy, Hypertensive

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible the main title of the article (Hypertensive Retinopathy)
is not the name you expected.  Please check the SYNONYMS listing on the next
page to find alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this
article.

Synonyms

Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders
section of this report:

     Papilledema

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.


Hypertensive Retinopathy is a syndrome of changes in the retina caused by
high blood pressure (hypertension).  It is characterized by progressive
changes in the little arteries (arterioles) of the eye and swelling (edema),
resulting in impairment of vision.

Symptoms

During the early stages of Hypertensive Retinopathy, constriction of the
arterioles of the retina occurs.  As the disease progresses, superficial
flame-shaped hemorrhages and spots that look like cotton wool (white or grey
foci) appear in the eye.  During the latter stages of the disorder, the optic
disc, as seen by ophthalmoscopic examination, may appear to be slightly
blurred or swollen (papilledema).

Causes

Hypertensive Retinopathy occurs as a result of high blood pressure over a
long period.  In some cases it may occur in pregnant women (eclampsia or
preeclampsia).

Affected Population

Hypertensive Retinopathy affects persons with chronic essential hypertension.
If untreated, the blood pressure usually rises with age and the retinopathy
tends to become more severe up to the age of 50 years.  Severe hypertensive
retinopathy is more common in the black population.

In Hypertensive Retinopathy in pregnant women (Eclampsia or
Preeclampsia), the incidence is usually higher in women of African ethnic
heritage, persons from lower socioeconomic groups, persons in the
southeastern part of the United States, and people who live in the
Philippines.

Related Disorders

Papilledema (Choked Disk) is a swelling (edema) of the portion of the retina
where the optic nerve enters the eyeball.  The swelling is due to increased
pressure inside the skull that may be caused by a variety of conditions.

Therapies:  Standard

Therapy for Hypertensive Retinopathy consists of treating the underlying
hypertension with antihypertensive drugs.  If the blood pressure can be kept
under control, this condition may not develop or be reversed.

Therapies:  Investigational

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through March
1987.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate.  Please
check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Hypertensive Retinopathy, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     NIH/National Eye Institute
     9000 Rockville Pike
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 496-5248

     Eye Research Institute of the Retina Foundation
     20 Staniford Street
     Boston, MA  02114
     (617) 742-3140

     American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
     1010 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 1100
     New York, NY  10011
     (202) 393-3666

     American Heart Association
     7320 Greenville Ave.,
     Dallas, TX  75231
     (214) 750-5300

References

MERCK MANUAL OF DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPY:  Robert Berkow, et al, eds; Merck,
Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories, 1982.  Pp. 392, 2011.