HTN Emergency Flashcards
A hypertensive emergency exists
when systolic BP exceeds 180 mm Hg, diastolic BP exceeds 100 mm Hg, and there is evidence of end organ damage
In a severe emergency, BP must be
lowered rapidly (within 1 hr)
If severe hypertension is present but does not yet pose an immediate threat of organ damage, reducing
If severe hypertension is present but does not yet pose an immediate threat of organ damage, reducing
Sodium nitroprusside [Nitropress]: Direct-acting
vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle of arterioles and veins.
first choice in rapidly reducing PB
Sodium nitroprusside [Nitropress
other choices that can be used in HTN emergency
Nitroglycerin – IV infusion
Hypertensive Urgencies reduce
Reduce BP over a period of days to hours
Hypertensive Urgencies BP is lowered
BP lowered usually to <160/<100mmHg.
Hypertensive Urgencies do not lower
BP to be lowered over a period of hours – oral oralclonidineor oralcaptopril.
Hypertensive Urgencies to be lowered over a periord of
BP to be lowered over a period of hours – oral oralclonidineor oralcaptopril.
Hypertensive Urgencies can use
use long-acting drugs with follow-up in 1 to 2 days.
Hypertensive Urgencies resumption
of therapy (non-adherence), initiation of anti-HTN therapy (treatment naive) or addition of another anti-HTN drug (if already on therapy).
Severe asymptomatic hypertension is usually managed in the
emergency department
Exclusion of acute end-organ damage requires
laboratory testing
Patient may require administration
Patient may require administration
