Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
[Cardiovascular complications of hypertensive crisis]
Martín Rosas-Peralta1, Gabriela Borrayo-Sánchez, Alejandra Madrid-Miller
1División de Investigación en Salud, Hospital de Cardiología, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México. mrosas_peralta@hotmail.com.
Insights
Hypertensive crises, including emergencies and urgent situations, can affect patients with high blood pressure. This review covers cardiovascular emergencies and their management to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Systemic arterial hypertension frequently leads to hypertensive crises.
- Hypertensive crises are categorized as emergencies or urgencies based on end-organ damage.
- Cardiovascular complications are a significant concern in hypertensive emergencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cardiovascular hypertensive emergencies.
- To discuss the presentation and management of these critical conditions.
- To highlight the importance of prompt and effective treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cardiovascular hypertensive emergencies.
- Analysis of specific conditions: acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure, aortic dissection, and sympathomimetic crises.
- Discussion of current treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive emergencies present with diverse symptoms, some non-specific.
- Cardiovascular emergencies like acute coronary syndrome and aortic dissection require immediate attention.
- Sympathomimetic crises, including those from cocaine use, pose unique challenges.
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and management of hypertensive emergencies are crucial.
- Multifaceted treatment approaches are necessary to reduce blood pressure and protect organs.
- Effective management improves patient outcomes and minimizes complications.
Abstract:
It is inexorable that a proportion of patients with systemic arterial hypertension will develop a hypertensive crisis at some point in their lives. The hypertensive crises can be divided in hypertensive patients with emergency or hypertensive emergency, according to the presence or absence of acute end-organ damage. In this review, we discuss the cardiovascular hypertensive emergencies, including acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure, aortic dissection and sympathomimetic hypertensive crises (those caused by cocaine use included). Each is presented in a unique way, although some patients with hypertensive emergency report non-specific symptoms. Treatment includes multiple medications for quick and effective action with security to reduce blood pressure, protect the function of organs remaining, relieve symptoms, minimize the risk of complications and improve patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension I: Introduction
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Introduction Cardiac Emergencies
Blood Pressure Imbalances and Circulatory Shock
Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension
Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/under 80 mm Hg. Hypertension, warranting treatment at 130/80 mm Hg, is often asymptomatic and can lead to severe cardiovascular events, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic renal disease, or cardiac...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

