[Hypertensive crisis and its treatment]

Hypertensive crises threaten, due to the rapid rise of blood pressure the patient's life by cerebral, cardiovascular and renal complications. It may cause left-sided heart failure, dissection of the aorta, cerebral haemorrhage, renal failure. Patients with hypertensive crises are admitted to intensive care units with the possibility of systematic monitoring of the pulse rate, BP, ECG, diuresis and other vital functions. Treatment is started immediately by injections (usually i.v.) of antihypertensive drugs while monitoring the BP, vital functions and the general condition. At first small amounts of antihypertensives are administered and, depending on the BP, the dosage is adjusted. The recommended safe drop of BP which should be achieved within one hour is 100-110 mm Hg of diastolic BP or a 20% drop of the initial pressure. Concurrently with injections oral administration of antihypertensives is started. Correct treatment leads in the majority of patients to regression of hypertension and of acute danger to the patient's life. On the other hand, inadequate treatment threatens the patients with fatal complications.