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Active epistaxis at ED presentation is associated with arterial hypertension
Harald Herkner1, Christof Havel, Marcus Müllner
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Vienna-Medical School, Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria. harald.herkner@akh-wien.ac.at
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|March 7, 2002
Summary
Active epistaxis, or nosebleeds, presenting at the emergency department (ED) is significantly associated with a history of hypertension. This finding suggests a link between nosebleeds and high blood pressure.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Cardiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds) and hypertension (high blood pressure) are common conditions.
- The relationship between epistaxis and hypertension remains debated in medical literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between active epistaxis at emergency department (ED) presentation and the presence of hypertension.
- To determine if active nosebleeds are an independent indicator of hypertension.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study design was employed.
- Patients presenting with active epistaxis (n=271) were compared to a control group without active bleeding (n=101).
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Active epistaxis at ED presentation was independently associated with a history of hypertension (OR 2.8, P=.004).
- Patients with active epistaxis exhibited higher systolic (165 vs 153 mmHg) and diastolic (85 vs 77 mmHg) blood pressures upon presentation.
- The association remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, rhinitis, diffuse bleeding, and malignant diseases.
Conclusions:
- Active epistaxis presenting to the emergency department is significantly associated with arterial hypertension.
- This study provides evidence supporting a link between nosebleeds and hypertension, warranting further clinical consideration.