Signs of Hypertensive emergency (Blood pressure emergency)

Description

Severe elevation of blood pressure with acute damage of an organ system (usually the brain, heart and/or kidneys) and possibly permanent damage. To reverse the damage the blood pressure should be lowered aggressively over minutes to hours. Typically the blood rises rapidly and can be caused by not taking blood pressure medications, abruptly stopping a blood pressure medication, drugs of abuse (cocaine, methamphetamine), severe elevation of thyroid hormone, and taking certain over the counter medications.

Symptoms

Chest pain, shortness of breath, headache, confusion, weakness, fatigue, lethargy, decreased urine output.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests will be done to determine the elevation of the blood pressure and to identify any end-organ damage.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
Troponin
X-Ray
EKG
CT Scan

Treatment

This condition is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment including intravenous medications to reduce the blood pressure, cardiac monitoring, hospitalization. Other treatments will depend on the end-organ damage being experienced.