Hypertensive Crisis/Urgency/Emergency Flashcards
Definition of hypertensive crisis
SBP >180mmHg, DBP >120mmHg, or both
Definition of hypertensive urgency
acute condition of very high BP without evidence of new or worsening target organ damage
Definition of hypertensive emergency
acute condition of very high BP and evidence of new or worsening target organ damage
End-organ dysfunction: CV system
acute pulmonary/flash pulmonary edema, acute LV dysfunction, acute MI
End-organ dysfunction: neurological
hypertensive encephalopathy, acute intracranial bleeding, cerebral infarction, seizures
End-organ dysfunction: vascular system
acute aortic dissection, eclampsia/preeclampsia
End-organ dysfunction: renal
AKI
End-organ dysfunction: liver
elevated function tests, acute liver failure
End-organ dysfunction: other
Retinopathy, retinal hemorrhage
Risk factors for hypertensive crisis
Female, obesity, hypertensive/coronary heart disease, presence of a somatoform disorder, higher number of antihypertensive agents at baseline
Common causes of hypertensive crisis
Non-adherence
Abrupt withdrawal of certain antihypertensives → rebound HTN: Clonidine, beta-blockers
Substance abuse: Cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy
DDIs: Serotonin syndrome
Drug-food interactions: Tyramine containing foods with MAOIs
Drug-disease state interactions: NSAIDs, sympathomimetics in patients with HTN
Withdrawal: alcohol, opioids, BZDs
Clinical presentation of hypertensive crisis
May appear asymptomatic (urgency) or with evidence of target organ damage (hypertensive emergency)
Symptoms of hypertensive crisis
HA, N/V, epistaxis, SOB, chest pain, dizziness, paresthesia, vision changes
Signs of hypertensive crisis
focal neurological deficits, crackles on lung auscultation, increased SCr/BUN, LFTs, new/worsening hematuria/proteinuria, EKG changes, changes on fundoscopic examination of the eye, changes on CT of the head (bleed), MRI evidence of CVA
Timing of BP lowering in hypertensive urgency
Lower BP slowly over 24-48 hours using PO medication, no need for ICU admission
Timing of BP lowering in hypertensive emergency: 1st hour
decrease DBP by 10-15% or MAP by 25% with a goal DBP ≥100mmHg
Timing of BP lowering in hypertensive emergency: hours 2-6
SBP 160mmHg and/or DBP 100-110mmHg
Timing of BP lowering in hypertensive emergency: hours 6-24
Maintaining above goals from the first 6 hours
Timing of BP lowering in hypertensive emergency: hours 24-48
gradually decrease BP to normal outpatient goal
Special considerations: aortic dissection
SBP ≤120mmHg within first hour, ideally the first 20 minutes (and HR <60 BPM)
Aortic dissection treatment
Esmolol, then a vasodilator (nicardipine, clevidipine, nitroprusside)
Special considerations: ischemic stroke
tPA: BP <185/110 before tPA and <180/105 during tPA infusion
No tPA: SBP <220mmHg
Treatment for ischemic stroke
Nicardipine, clevidipine, labetalol
Avoid sodium nitroprusside
Special considerations: hemorrhagic stroke
SBP >220mmHg: lower with infusion and monitor
SBP 150-220 mmHg: <140mmHg in 60 minutes
Treatment for hemorrhagic stroke
Same as ischemic stroke
Special considerations: severe preeclampsia or eclampsia
SBP <140mmHg in 60 minutes
Preeclampsia/eclampsia treatment
Hydralazine, labetalol, nicardipine
AVOID RAAS INHIBITORS AND SODIUM NITROPRUSSIDE
Vasodilators used in hypertensive crisis/emergency
Sodium nitroprusside, NTG, hydralazine
Sodium nitroprusside MoA
Breaks down into NO → relaxation/dilation of smooth muscle
Direct venous and arterial vasodilator