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Hypertensive Crises^*

Challenges and Management

^* From the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care (Dr. Marik), Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and Department of Acute and Continuing Care (Dr. Varon), The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX.

Correspondence to: Paul E. Marik, MD, FCCP, 834 Walnut St, Suite 650, Philadelphia, PA 19107; e-mail: paul.marik{at}jefferson.edu

Abstract

Hypertension affects > 65 million people in the United States and is one of the leading causes of death. One to two percent of patients with hypertension have acute elevations of BP that require urgent medical treatment. Depending on the degree of BP elevation and presence of end-organ damage, severe hypertension can be defined as either a hypertensive emergency or a hypertensive urgency. A hypertensive emergency is associated with acute end-organ damage and requires immediate treatment with a titratable short-acting IV antihypertensive agent. Severe hypertension without acute end-organ damage is referred to as a hypertensive urgency and is usually treated with oral antihypertensive agents. This article reviews definitions, current concepts, common misconceptions, and pitfalls in the diagnosis and management of patients with acutely elevated BP as well as special clinical situations in which BP must be controlled.

Key Words: aortic dissection • ß-blockers • calcium-channel blockers • clevidipine • eclampsia • fenoldopam • hypertension • hypertensive crises • hypertensive encephalopathy • labetalol • nicardipine • nitroprusside • pre-eclampsia • pregnancy

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