Hypertensive CRISIS

Hypertensive Urgency

• > 180 systolic or > 120 diastolic WITHOUT ssx of end organ damage

Hypertensive Emergency

• > 180 systolic or > 120 diastolic WITH ssx of end organ damage

End organ damage:

• Cardiac

  • SSX of: ACS, acute CHF, aortic dissection

• Neuro

  • Hypertensive encephalopathy: confusion, seizure, papilledema

  • CVA (ischemic/hemorrhagic)

• Optic

  • Acute retinopathy ➔ ↓ acuity, flame hemorrhage, papilledema

• Renal

  • AKI - oliguria (↓ urine production) ➔ anuria (no output), proteinuria, hematuria, hemolytic anemia

Causes

• Non-compliance

• Drugs ➔ HTN (stimulants, MAOi and tyramine food), TCAs

• Hyperthyroid, pheochromocytoma

• Eclampsia

• • Head/spinal trauma