Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies

Abstract Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies occur most commonly in patients with previous hypertension, especially if inadequately managed. About 40% of cases have an underlying cause, most commonly renovascular disease, primary renal diseases, phaeochromocytoma, and connective tissue disorders. Hypertensive emergencies occur when severely elevated or sudden marked increase in blood pressure is associated with acute end-organ damage. Malignant phase hypertension is a rare condition characterized by very high blood pressure, with bilateral retinal haemorrhages and/or exudates or cotton wool spots, with or without papilloedema. Presentation is typically with visual disturbance, with or without headaches. Urinalysis may demonstrate proteinuria and haematuria, even in the absence of primary renal disease. Some patients with mild renal impairment at first presentation may improve, or even regain normal renal function, but this is unlikely to occur in those with more severe renal impairment at presentation.