Related Experiment Videos

[Hypertensive emergency and urgency: clinical update]

Alberto Milan1, Elisabetta Puglisi, Giovanni Ferrari

  • 1S.C.U. Medicina Interna 4, Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Centro Ipertensione Arteriosa, A.O.U. San Giovanni Battista, Università degli Studi, Torino. alberto.milan@unito.it

Giornale Italiano Di Cardiologia (2006)
|February 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Hypertensive crises, a blood pressure over 180/120 mmHg, require prompt emergency department evaluation. This review covers diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for managing these critical high blood pressure events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Emergency Medicine

Context:

  • Hypertensive crises are frequent in emergency departments.
  • These events involve blood pressure exceeding 180/120 mmHg.
  • Distinguishing between hypertensive emergencies and urgencies is crucial based on target organ damage.

Purpose:

  • To review current literature on hypertensive crises.
  • To outline diagnostic tools and treatment trends.
  • To equip clinicians with effective management strategies.

Summary:

  • This article reviews current knowledge on hypertensive crises.
  • It differentiates between emergencies and urgencies.
  • Available therapeutic options are discussed.

Impact:

  • Provides clinicians with updated diagnostic and therapeutic guidance.
  • Aims to improve patient outcomes in hypertensive crises.
  • Contributes to evidence-based emergency medicine practice.

Related Concept Videos

Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications01:28

Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Multiple classes of antihypertensive medications are employed in treating hypertension. The most commonly recommended first-line treatments include:Thiazide Diuretics, such as chlorthalidone, increase sodium and water excretion from the body, reducing blood volume and blood pressure.Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, like lisinopril, block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, a potent vasoconstrictor lowering blood pressure.Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) prevent angiotensin II...