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Hypertensive crises: challenges and management

Paul E Marik1, Joseph Varon

  • 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA USA. paul.marik@jefferson.edu

Chest
|June 15, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Severe hypertension requires urgent medical treatment. Differentiating between hypertensive emergency and urgency guides immediate management strategies for acutely elevated blood pressure (BP).

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Hypertension impacts over 65 million Americans, contributing significantly to mortality.
  • Acute severe blood pressure (BP) elevations affect 1-2% of hypertensive patients, necessitating prompt medical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the definitions, current understanding, and diagnostic/management pitfalls of severe hypertension.
  • To clarify the distinctions between hypertensive emergency and hypertensive urgency.
  • To discuss special clinical scenarios requiring BP control.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of definitions and management guidelines for severe hypertension.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria differentiating hypertensive emergencies from urgencies.
  • Discussion of treatment approaches based on BP levels and end-organ damage.

Main Results:

  • Severe hypertension is categorized as hypertensive emergency (with acute end-organ damage, requiring IV agents) or hypertensive urgency (without end-organ damage, treated with oral agents).
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate and timely treatment selection.
  • Special clinical situations require tailored BP management strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Distinguishing between hypertensive emergency and urgency is critical for effective patient management.
  • Understanding current concepts and avoiding diagnostic pitfalls are essential for optimal care of patients with acutely elevated BP.
  • This review provides insights into managing severe hypertension in various clinical contexts.

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