Hypertension Educational Toolkit

Introduction

Systemic arterial hypertension (hypertension) is a well-recognized disorder in cats, although sometimes it is difficult to confirm. Early diagnosis is critical in avoiding damage to susceptible organs such as the heart, brain, eyes, and kidneys (target organs).

Instructions for Use

This educational toolkit is intended to be an implementation tool for veterinary professionals to access and gather information quickly. It is not intended to provide a complete review of the scientific data for feline hypertension. In order to gather a deeper understanding of feline hypertension, there are excellent resources for further reading linked in the left sidebar of the digital toolkit. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with these resources prior to using this toolkit.

To use the toolkit, click the tabs at the top in the blue navigation bar to access each page and read more information about each area including regulation, classification, clinical signs, treatment, measuring blood pressure, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and client resources. Each page also has an associated printable PDF that you can use in your practice. Additionally, a link to a printable version of the entire toolkit, which contains information from each page, is included in the left sidebar.

Acknowledgments

The AAFP would like to thank Boehringer Ingelheim for their educational grant to develop this toolkit, and for their commitment to helping the veterinary community improve the lives of cats. We also would like to thank our Task Force for their hard work in developing this educational toolkit content - Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Chair; Ellen Carozza, LVT; and Mary Labato, DVM, DACVIM.

© American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2021