The journal of clinical hypertension
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J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) · Jan 2006
Characteristics and management of patients presenting to the emergency department with hypertensive urgency.
Few studies have examined the characteristics of patients presenting with hypertensive urgency, factors contributing to their presentation, or their management. The time and cost associated with treatment are unknown. Retrospective analysis of 50 emergency department patients with hypertensive urgency (symptomatic blood pressure (BP) elevation focusing on systolic BP >180 mm Hg or diastolic BP >110 mm Hg) was performed. ⋯ Emergency department visits for hypertensive urgency are related mostly to noncompliance. Labetalol was the most frequently used therapy. Management in the primary care office could result in substantial cost savings.