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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Current and newer agents for hypertensive emergencies
Alan Padilla Ramos1, Joseph Varon
1Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, Mexicali Campus, Mexicali, Mexico.
Insights
Hypertension requires careful management, especially during hypertensive crises. This review covers antihypertensive medications and evidence-based treatments for hypertensive emergencies to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypertension is a growing global health concern.
- Hypertensive crises, including emergencies and urgencies, demand prompt medical attention.
- Varied presentations necessitate thorough patient evaluation to identify end-organ damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review commonly used antihypertensive medications.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for treating hypertensive emergencies.
- To guide clinicians in selecting appropriate therapeutic agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of antihypertensive medications.
- Analysis of evidence-based guidelines for hypertensive emergencies.
- Discussion of factors influencing therapeutic agent selection.
Main Results:
- Commonly used antihypertensive drugs are detailed.
- Treatment strategies focus on protecting end-organ function and preventing complications.
- Therapeutic decisions consider patient comorbidities, desired blood pressure reduction, and clinical setting.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of hypertensive emergencies is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Tailored treatment plans are essential, considering individual patient factors.
- This review offers a guide to state-of-the-art management strategies.
Abstract:
Hypertension is an increasingly prevalent chronic illness. The condition may present as a hypertensive crisis, and this entity may be further categorized as either hypertensive emergency or urgency. As the presentation is quite variable and is dependent upon the specific end-organ injury, a thorough history and examination are necessary. Once the underlying pathology is known, a target blood pressure can be determined and a specific therapeutic agent selected. The choice of most appropriate agent must take into consideration coexisting morbidities, desired rate of blood pressure decline, monitoring capabilities of the environment, and experience of the clinician. In hypertensive emergencies, the therapeutic goal is to protect remaining end-organ function, reduce the risk of complications, and thereby improve patient outcomes. This article reviews commonly used antihypertensive medications as well as evidence-based recommendations for state-of-the-art treatment for hypertensive emergencies.
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