Hypertensive emergency

I10

• Description
• Medicine treatment
• Referral

• Severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min).

DESCRIPTION

A markedly elevated BP: systolic BP > 180 mmHg and/or a diastolic BP > 130 mmHg associated with ≥ one of the following:

• unstable angina/chest pain
• neurological signs, e.g. severe headache, visual disturbances, confusion, coma or seizures
• pulmonary oedema
• renal failure

MEDICINE TREATMENT

• Amlodipine, oral, 10 mg immediately as a single dose.

If pulmonary oedema:

• Furosemide, IV, 40 mg as a single dose (See: Pulmonary oedema, acute).

CAUTION
A hypertensive emergency needs immediate referral to hospital.

REFERRAL

Urgent

All patients.