Feline Hypertension Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Systemic hypertension is defined as a persistent elevation in systemic arterial blood pressure. In cats, hypertension is predominantly a secondary condition, most commonly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hyperthyroidism. Often called the "silent killer," feline hypertension frequently remains asymptomatic until severe and often irreversible target organ damage (TOD) occurs. The four primary target organs affected are the eyes, brain, kidneys, and heart.

Understanding feline hypertension is critical for the NAVLE as it represents a common clinical presentation in geriatric feline patients. Questions frequently focus on blood pressure measurement techniques, identification of target organ damage (particularly ocular lesions), recognition of underlying causes, and appropriate pharmacological management with amlodipine as the first-line treatment.

Definition and Classification

Normal systolic blood pressure (SBP) in cats ranges from 120-140 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when SBP is persistently elevated above normal values. The ACVIM and ISFM consensus guidelines classify feline blood pressure based on risk of target organ damage: