Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
Published on: August 1, 2018
[Hypertensive emergencies at the University Hospital Center in Brazzaville, Congo]
Insights
Hypertensive emergencies are a serious condition affecting 4% of emergency patients in Brazzaville. Key risk factors include obesity, prior hypertension, and low socioeconomic status, with stroke being the most common underlying cause.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Nephrology
Context:
- Hypertensive emergencies represent a critical subset of hypertensive disease.
- Limited data exists on the prevalence and characteristics of hypertensive emergencies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- This study focuses on a single center in Brazzaville, Congo.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence and clinical features of hypertensive emergencies.
- To identify associated risk factors and underlying conditions.
- To analyze consultation delays and emergency treatment outcomes.
Summary:
- A retrospective study of 76 patients in Brazzaville revealed a 4% prevalence of hypertensive emergencies.
- Obesity (81.6%), history of hypertension (85.5%), and low socioeconomic status (76.3%) were prevalent risk factors.
- Stroke (50%), heart failure (26.3%), and hypertensive encephalopathy (14.4%) were the most frequent underlying conditions, with an overall mortality of 10.5%.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant burden of hypertensive emergencies in the region.
- Informs clinical practice and public health strategies for hypertension management.
- Underscores the need for early detection and intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
The purpose of this retrospective study conducted in the emergency department of the University Hospital Center in Brazzaville, Congo was to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of hypertensive emergencies. With a total of 76 patients admitted during the study period, the prevalence of hypertensive emergency was 4%. The sex ratio was 1 and mean patient age was 57.3 years (range, 30 to 80 years). Risk factors included obesity in 62 cases (81.6%), history of hypertension in 65 (85.5%) and low socioeconomic level in 58 (76.3%). Mean delay for consultation was 50 hours (range, 1 to 240 hours). The disease underlying the hypertensive emergency was stroke with 38 cases (50%), heart failure in 20 (26.3%), hypertensive encephalopathy in 11 (14.4%), malignant hypertension in 9 (11.8%), and renal failure in 10 (13.1%). The mean length of emergency treatment was 14.7 hours (range, 5 to 48 hours). Eight deaths (10.5%) occurred during hospitalization in the emergency department.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension V: Nursing Management
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Portal Hypertension
Hypertension I: Introduction
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
