Hypertensive crisis resulting from avocados and a MAO inhibitor

A hypertensive episode precipitated by avocados in a patient on tranylcypromine is described. The patient complained of severe throbbing headache, chest pain, and diaphoresis upon visiting the emergency room. Intravenous phentolamine was administered repeatedly to treat elevated blood pressure. Approximately 4 1/2 hours later, the patient's blood pressure stabilized, and he was released after a short period of observation. This is the first documented case of avocado induced hypertensive crisis.