The diagnostic approach and management of hypertension in the emergency department

Managing hypertension urgency in the emergency department (ED) is challenging, as distinguishing between the temporary and chronic elevation of blood pressure (BP) can be complex. Acute BP spikes may be due to pain, stress, or the "white coat" effect. Hypertensive emergency, a life-threatening condition with organ damage, requires prompt intervention. Differentiating it from hypertensive urgency, a less severe outpatient condition is crucial. Guidelines for diagnosing and treating severe hypertension in the ED are limited, emphasizing the importance of determining target organ damage for effective management.