Key Points
- To review the evolving epidemiology, classification, and clinical management strategies for hypertensive emergencies and urgencies according to contemporary guidelines.
- Narrative review synthesizing consensus recommendations and diagnostic criteria from the Joint National Committee and the European Society of Hypertension.
- Evaluation of recent therapeutic data regarding the distinct pharmacological approaches required for hypertensive emergencies versus urgencies.
- Hypertensive crises require distinct diagnostic approaches to separate true emergencies (acute target organ damage needing intravenous reduction) from urgencies (absence of acute organ damage requiring oral agents).
- Despite four decades of demographic shifts and updated clinical guidelines, acute hypertension remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to persistent inappropriate treatment practices.
Structured PICO
PPopulationPatients with hypertensive emergencies and urgencies
IInterventionManagement and treatment strategies
This review provides an update on the management of hypertensive emergencies and urgencies, highlighting that treatment remains frequently inappropriate despite updated guidelines.