Focused Update on Pharmacologic Management of Hypertensive Emergencies

AbstractPurpose of ReviewHypertensive emergency is defined as a systolic blood pressure>  180 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure>  120 mmHg with evidence of new or progressive end-organ damage. The purpose of this paper is to review advances in the treatment of hypertensive emergencies within the last 5 years.Recent FindingsNew literature and recommendations for managing hypertensive emergencies in the setting of pregnancy, stroke, and heart failure have been published.SummaryOral nifedipine is now considered an alternative first-line therapy, along with intravenous hydralazine and labetalol for women presenting with pre-eclampsia. Clevidipine is now endorsed by guidelines as a first-line treatment option for blood pressure reduction in acute ischemic stroke and may be considered for use in intracranial hemorrhage. Treatment of hypertensive heart failure remains challenging; clevidipine and enalaprilat can be considered for use in this population although data supporting their use remains limited.
Source: Current Hypertension Reports - Category: Primary Care Source Type: research