Systemic Arterial Hypertension and Factors Associated with Blood Pressure Dysregulation in Companion Animals

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH), characterised by a persistent increase in blood pressure (BP) beyond the reference values for the species, is a concerning and detri-mental clinical condition. The aim of this manuscript is to present the state of the art on SAH in companion animals, including the different types of hypertension, diagnos-tic and therapeutic approaches, and the factors associated with its occurrence, such as the role of stress. It also discusses the benefits and challenges related to the measure-ment process. The SAH is categorised into types based on the underlying cause: situa-tional, secondary, and idiopathic (the least frequently observed). The situational type occurs when stress is the primary factor, such as during veterinary visits, contact with other animals, or in cases of white coat syndrome. If the stressor is removed, BP values tend to normalise. The most common type of SAH is the secondary form, which is as-sociated with an underlying condition, such as renal, cardiac, endocrine, or neurologi-cal diseases, or a combination of these. Diagnosing SAH is a challenging task for many veterinarians due to factors related to handling the animal, managing the equipment, and interpreting the results. Consequently, many professionals either take inaccurate measurements or misinterpret the results, often prescribing antihypertensive medica-tions prematurely or unnecessarily. Despite being a well-standardised and well-documented process, challenges persist. Treatment often involves antihyperten-sive drugs, either alone or in combination, alongside management of the underlying causes, when present. Therefore, BP values should be obtained correctly using a stand-ardised protocol, with clinical-therapeutic decisions carefully aligned with the factors that may influence them.