What is rebound hypertension?

Rebound hypertension refers to a condition where there is a significant increase in blood pressure following the abrupt discontinuation of antihypertensive medication. When the medication is suddenly stopped, the body may initially rebound by raising blood pressure levels beyond pre-treatment values due to the increased activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and sympathetic nervous system. This can lead to serious cardiovascular complications if not managed properly.

Understanding this phenomenon is essential for both clinicians and patients, as it emphasizes the importance of tapering off certain antihypertensive drugs rather than stopping them abruptly to prevent these dangerous spikes in blood pressure. Proper management strategies typically include gradually reducing the medication under a healthcare provider's supervision to minimize the risk of rebound hypertension.