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[Hypertensive crises: prevalence and clinical aspects].
M Rodríguez Cerrillo1, P Mateos Hernández, C Fernández Pinilla
1Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
Revista Clinica Espanola
|June 13, 2002
Summary
Hypertensive crises represent 0.65% of emergencies. Patients with hypertensive emergencies show more target organ damage, with coronary heart disease being a common cause. Some crises resolve with rest alone.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Emergency Medicine
Context:
- Hypertensive crises are a significant concern in emergency departments.
- Understanding the distinction between hypertensive urgency and emergency is crucial for patient management.
- Prevalence and characteristics of hypertensive crises require ongoing analysis.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of patients experiencing hypertensive crises.
- To differentiate clinically between patients with hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency.
- To identify common etiologies and patient demographics associated with hypertensive crises.
Summary:
- A 3-month prospective study included 118 patients with hypertensive crises (≥210/120 mmHg).
- Hypertensive crises constituted 0.65% of emergency department attendances.
- Twenty-two percent of crises were classified as emergencies, often linked to coronary heart disease and showing greater target organ involvement.
Impact:
- Identified coronary heart disease as a primary cause of hypertensive emergencies.
- Highlighted that 12.7% of patients were unaware of their hypertension, and 12.6% were untreated.
- Revealed that 24% of hypertensive crises resolved spontaneously with rest, while captopril was frequently used.
- Emphasized the increased severity and target organ damage in hypertensive emergencies.