Comprehensive management of hypertensive emergencies and urgencies.
Despite advances in chronic hypertension management, hypertensive emergencies and urgencies remain as serious complications. Much of this relates to poor compliance with effective antihypertensive management. Hypertensive emergencies and urgencies can also be seen as the initial manifestations of hypertension in pregnancy and in the perioperative period. Multiple classes of intravenous antihypertensive drugs are available to treat hypertensive emergencies, and specific agents may have an advantage in a given clinical situation. Orally active agents are used to treat hypertensive urgencies, and include clonidine, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and labetalol. Most patients respond to drug therapy, but problems may arise related to a rapid normalization of blood pressure.
Mansoor
George A
GA
Section of Hypertension and Vascular Diseases, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030-3940, USA. Mansoor@nso1.uchc.edu
Frishman
William H
WH
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004630:Emergencies; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents