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Culture Documents
Content
Introduction
Definitions
Prevalence/morbidity/mortality
Etiology & pathophysiology
Diagnosis
Causes
Differential diagnoses
Workup
Management
Treatment
Pharmacology IV Anti-hypertensives
References
Introduction
Classification OF HYPERTENSION
Joint National Committee (JNC 7) introduced a
new classification system for HTN 2004
Other Terminology
Severely elevated BP (JNC VII)
Defined as BP > 180/120
accelerated HPT
term used to describe individuals with chronic
hypertension with associated group 3 KeithWagener-Baker retinopathy
malignant HPT
describe those individuals with group 4 KWB
retinopathy changes + papilledema
Definitions
HPT emergency(crisis): Is characterized by a
severe elevation in BP, complicated by evidence of
impending or progressive target/end organ
dysfunction
VS
HPT urgency: is a severe elevation in BP without
progressive target organ dysfunction
NB these definitions do not specify absolute BP
levels
Definitions
Emergencies
Symptomatic
Acute End-Organ Damage
Diastolic B.P. usually >130 mmHg
Urgencies
Asymptomatic
NO Acute End-Organ Damage
Diastolic B.P. usually >110 mmHg; Systolic
B.P. usually >180 mmHg
Hypertensive encephalopathy
Intracerebral heamorrhage
Stroke
Head trauma
Ischemic heart disease (most common)
AMI
Acute LVF with P/oedema
Unstable angina
Aortic dissection
Eclampsia
Life threatening arterial bleed
Prevalence/ morbidity/
mortality
Prevalence:
- With progress in anti-hypertensive Rx decrease in the lifetime
incidence of HPT emergencies from 7% to 1%
- Hypertensive crisis more common among elderly and black patients
- Studies HPT related problems amount for 25% of all pt visits to
medical section of ED. 33% of these - HTN emergencies.
Morbidity/mortality
- Dependent on the extent of EOD on presentation and the degree to
which BP is controlled subsequently.
- 1year survival rate has increased from 20% to more than 90% with
appropriate treatment.
- 10-year survival rate approaches 70% with approp treatment
- 1-year and 5-year mortality rate - following untreated HPT
emergency are 70 to 90% and 100% respectively
Etiology
Most common
- rapid unexplained rise in BP in pt with chronic essential HPT
- most have history of poor treatment/compliance or an abrupt discont
of their meds
Other causes
Renal parenchymal disease (80% of sec.causes)
Systemic disorders with renal involvement (SLE)
Renovascular disease (Atheroscleroses/fibromuscular dysplasia)
Endocrine ( phaeochromocytoma/cushing syndrome)
Drugs (cocaine/amphetam/clonidine withdrawal/diet pills)
CNS (trauma or spinal cord disorders Guillain-Barre
Coarctation of the aorta
Preeclampsia/Eclampsia
Postop. HPT
Pathophysiology
Not well understood
Failure of normal autoregulation + abrupt rise in SVR
Increase in SVR due to release of humoral vasoconstrictors
from the stressed vessel wall.
Endothelium plays a central role in BP homeostasis via
substances as Nitric oxide and prostacyclin
Increased pressure starts a cycle of
- endothelial damage
- local activation of clotting cascade
- fibrinoid necrosis of small vessels
- release of more vasoconstrictors
Process leads to progressive increase in resistance and further
endothelial dysfunction
Pathophysiology
Single organ inv. in approximately 83%
Two organ inv found in 14%
Multiorgan involvement found in 3% of pts
Most common clinical presentations
- cerebral infarction(24%)
- pulmonary oedema (22%)
- HPT encephalopathy(16%)
- Cong. HF (12%)
Less common presentations IC hemorrhage, aortic
dissection and eclampsia
BP 213/134
confused, papilledema on fundoscopy
Mild motor weakness (4/5) right arm
Lab studies rased creatinine
ECG LVH
CT Brain diffuse bilateral white matter changes HPT
encephalopathy
Outcome:
Neurology symptoms resolved within 5hrs
he was switched to his usual oral regimen on
3rd day in hospital
discharged day 5 controlled BP
Hypertensive encephalopathy
Clinical manifestation of cerebral edema
and microhemorrhages seen with
dysfunction of cerebral autoregulation
Defined as an acute organic brain
syndrome or delirium in the setting of
severe hypertension
HTN Encephalopathy
Symptoms
Severe headache
Nausea and vomiting
Visual disturbances
Confusion
focal or generalized
weakness
Signs
Disorientation
Focal neurologic
defects
Focal or generalized
seizures
nystagmus
HPT Encephalopathy
Not adequately treated cerebral
heamorrhage, coma and death.
BUT with proper treatment completely
reversible
Clinical diagnoses (exclusion)
Hypertensive Retinopathy
Fundoscopy used to be considered a
definitive tool in diagnosing HTN
encephalopathy
NOW still usefull in recognizing acute
EOD as in HTN encephalopathy, but the
absence of retinal exudates, hemorrhages,
or papilledema does not exclude the
diagnoses.
Fundoscopy findings
HPT Retinopathy
AV crossing changes
HPT retinopathy
HPT retinopathy
PanOptic ophtalmoscope
Diagnosis
History
1) focus on presence of Sx of end-organ dysfunction(eod)
2) any identifiable etiology
Hypertension Hx
Medication
smoking, alcohol
illicit drugs (cocaine, stimulants)
Family history
Steroid use
Estrogens
Sympathomimetics
MAO inhibitors
Social history
Pregnant?
Diagnoses
History (cont)
Symptom spesific Hx suggesting EOD
CVS Hx
previous MI/angina/arrhythmias
chest pain/SOB/Sx of CF/claudication/flank or
back pain
Neurologic Hx
prior strokes, neuro dysfunction
visual changes, blurriness, loss of visual fields, severe headaches,
nausea and vomiting, change in mental status
Renal Hx
Underlying renal disease (RF)
Acute onset changes in renal frequency (anuria/oliguria)
Endocrine Hx
diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, Cushings syndrome
Begin Treatment!
This isEmergency
a Hypertensive
Begin to look for other causes of symptoms
Diagnoses
Examination
1)
Confirm elevated BP
2)
Fundoscopy
Acute changes
new retinal bleeds
Superficial/flame shaped
Deep/punctuate
exudates
hard/cotton wool spots
papilledema
Neck
Enlarged thryoid, carotid bruit, jugular venous distention
CVS
Enlarged heart, S3, asymmetric pulses, arrhythmias
Pulmonary
Signs of LV dysfunction ( crackles, rhonchi)
Renal
Renal bruit, abdominal masses
Neurologic
Level of consciousness, evidence of stroke, any focal signs
Workup
Lab studies
Electrolytes, urea and creatinine
FBC and smear
Urinalysis dipstix + microscopy
Optional - tox screen
- BHCG
- Endocrine testing
Imaging studies
CXR (chest pain or SOB)
Head CT/MRI brain (abn neurology)
Chest CT/TEE/Aortic angio (Aortic dissection)
Other Tests
- ECG
Management
ED considerations
Many HPT pts only small number will require emergent treatment
Management
The EP must be capable of:
- Appropriately evaluating pts with an elevated BP
- Correctly classify the HPT
- Determine the aggressiveness and timing of
therapeutic interventions
- Making disposition decisions
Treatment
Prehospital care
- Address the manifestations of a HPT
emergency eg.chest pain or HF
- Reduction of BP not indicated in
prehospital setting
- Rapid lowering of BP can critically
decrease end-organ perfusion
Treatment
1.
2.
using IV meds.
BP should not be lowered to normal levels
3.
-
Rapid reduction in BP below the autoregulatory range results in reduction in organ blood
flow risk of ischemia and infarction
General rule the MAP should be lowered by no more than 20% - 1 st hour
Treatment
Medication options
1. Oral antihypertensives
Chronic hypertensive
Hypertensive urgency
2. IV antihypertensives
Hypertensive emergency
Principles of Therapy
Lower B.P. over hours
Initial goal B.P. 160s/90s
Pharmacology IV anti-HPT
1. Vasodilators
Sodium nitroprusside
Nitroglycerin
Nicardipine
Fenoldapam
Hydralazine
Enalapril
2. Adrenergic inhibitors
Labetalol
Esmolol
Phentolamine
IDEAL IV ANTI-HYPERTENSIVE
Lower the BP without compromising blood
flow to critical organs
Vasodilators generally considered 1st ,
because they preserve organ blood flow in
the face of reduced perfusion and also
tend to increase CO.
Profile of an ideal IV
antihypertensive
titratable,
Dosage
Onset
Duration
Adverse
Effects
Indic.(I)
Contrain.(C)
Vasodilators
Nitroprusside
0.3-10
mcg/kg/min
IV infusion
1-2 min.
1-2 min.
N/V,mus.
twitch.,
cyanide,
thiocyan. tox.
intracran.
pressure
I: CHF, aortic
dissect.,
catechol.
C: hepatic,
renal insuff.
Nitroglycerin (IV)
5-100
mcg/kg/min
2-5 min.
3-5 min.
HA,
dizziness,
vomit.,
methemglo.
tolerance
I: coronary
dis., CHF
C: CVA
intracran.
pressure
(Hyperstat
IV)
1-3 mg/kg
2-4 min
(up to 150
mg) IV bolus,
q5-15 min;
repeat q4-24
hr as needed
3-12 hr
Nausea,
hypotension,
flushing,
tachycardia,
hyperglycemia,
aggravation of
angina, fluid
retention
C: Syndromes
of coronary
insufficiency,
(unless used
with betablocking agent),
cerebrovascular
accident,
hypersensitivity to
sulfonamides
0.1-1.7
micrograms/kg/min
IV infusion
Hydralazine
HCl
(Apresoline)
10-20 mg IV or IM
10-20 3-8 hr Tachycardia,
flushing,
bolus, repeat q4-6 hr as min
headache,
needed (maximum dose,
40 mg)
5-15
min
1-4 hr Headache,
dizziness,
flushing,
increased
intraocular
pressure,
hypokalemia,
dose-related
tachycardia
vomiting,
aggravation of
angina
I: Severe
hyperten-sion
with renal
insuffi-ciency
C: Glaucoma
I: CHF
C: Coronary
insufficiency,
aortic
dissection,
cerebrovascular accident
(may increase
intracranial
pressure)
(Vasotec I.V.)
1.25-5 mg q6 15
hr IV
min
6 hr Precipitous drop in
blood pressure in highrenin states, variable
response
I: CHF
C: Use with
caution in
patients with
severe renal
insufficiency
(not receiving
dialysis)
Nicardipine
HCl (Cardene)
1-2
hr
1-2
min
10-30
min
Tachycardia,
nausea,
flushing,
abdominal
pain,
aggravation
of angina
I: Catecholamine
excess
C: Syndromes of
coronary
insufficiency
10-20
min
Hypotension,
nausea,
bradycardia or
heart block,
dizziness
I: Syndromes of
coronary
insufficiency
C: Greater than
first-degree heart
block, CHF
20-80 mg
IV bolus,
repeat as
needed
(maximum
dose, 300
mg); or 2
mg/min IV
infusion
2-10 min
2-4 hr
Hypotension,
nausea,
itching,
scalp
tingling,
dizziness
I: Syndromes of
coronary
insufficiency,
catecholamine
excess
C: > firstdegree
heart
block,
CHF,
bronchial
asthma
Sodium Nitroprusside
(Hypoten L)
MoA:
Adverse affects/Precautions:
Drug of choice:
Perioperative HPT
Cocaine toxicity
Aortic dissection(combination)
Neurologic syndromes
Nitroglycerin
(Nitrocine / Isoket / Tridal)
MoA:
Adverse effects/precautions:
Contra ind:
Drug of choice:
Acute HF
ACS
Nicardipine
(Nimodipine Nimotop)
Fenoldapam
(Carlopam)
Onset <5min, but more gentle, lasts for 30min (titratable, predictable and stable)
Standard BP monitoring is sufficient, no toxic metabolites
Dosing:
Precautions:
Drug of choice
Renal insuffiency
Strokes ( combination with nicardipine)
Hydralazine
(Apresoline)
MoA:
Dose:
Adverse effects/Precautions
old school
Enalaprilat
MoA:
ACE inhibitor
Dose:
0.625-2.5mg every 6hr IV
Not titratable
Adverse effects/Precautions
Contra-indicated volume depletion, renal vascular disease
Prolonged life
Labetalol
(Trandate)
MoA:
non-selective Beta blocker decrease cardiac inotropy and miocard O2 consumption, will prevent reflex
tachycardia
Dose:
smooth onset
Transition to oral Rx easy (dose equivalent)
Improve cerebral bloodflow stroke pt
No need for ICU/Arterial line
Adverse effects/precautions
Relative CI Heart failure, heart block, Asthma (bronchoconstriction)
Vomiting, scalp tingling
Impaired hepatic function
Elderly patients
Contraindicated in HPT secondary to Cocaine use/Phaeochromocytoma
(B-blocker effect outway the alpha effect, thus unapposed alpha constriction)
Drug of choice:
Aortic dissection
Hypertensive emergencies
Esmolol
(Brevibloc)
MoA:
Dose: (titratable)
Sinus bradycardia
Heart block
Cardiogenic shock
Bronchial asthma
Uncompensated CF
pregnancy
Drug of choice:
Hypotension common
nausea
Asthma
1st degree AV block
heart failure
Contraindications
Phentolamine
(Regitine)
MoA:
Dose:
renal impairment
Concurrent use with PDE-5 inhibitors
coronary or cerebral arteriosclerosis
Drug of choice
tachycardia
flushing/headache
MI
cerebrovascular spasm
Contra-indications
Onset 1-2min
Adverse effect/precautions
Neurological emergencies
Hypertensive encephalopathy
reduce MAP by 25% or diastole to 100mmHg
over 8 hrs
If neurology worsens, suspend Rx
Drug of choice:
Sodium nitroprusside
Labetalol
Neurological emergencies
Acute Ischemic stroke
Neurological emergencies
Acutes ICH/SAH
Treatment based on clinical/radiographic
evidence of raised ICP
Raised ICP MAP<130 (1st 24hrs)
No raised ICP MAP<110
Drug of choice:
Sodium Nitroprusside
Labetalol
Nicardipine
Cardiovascular emergencies
ACS
treat if SBP>160 and/or DBP>100
Reduce MAP by 20 -30% of baseline
nitrates should be given till symptoms
subside or until DBP<100
Drug of choice:
Nitroglycerine
Labetalol
Nicardipine
CVS emergencies
Acute HF (pulmonary edema)
treat with vasodilator (additional to diuretics)
Sodium Nitroprusside in conjunction with
morphine, oxygen and loop diuretic
Enalaprilat also an option
CVS emergencies
Aortic dissection
anti-hypertensive Rx is aimed at reducing the
shear stress on aortic wall (BP and Pulse)
immediate lowering of BP lifesaving
maintain SBP<110, unless signs of end
organ hypoperfusion
preferred Rx is combination of Morphine,
B-blocker and vasodilator
Nitroprusside + Labetalol
Other disorders
Cocaine toxicity/pheochromocytoma
Hpt and tachycardia rarely require spesific Rx
Alpha adrenergic blockers preferred
B blockers can be added, but only after
alpha blockade.
Drug of choice
Phentolamine
Labetalol
Diazepam
Other disorders
Pre-eclampsia/Eclampsia
Goal SBP<160 and DBP<110 in pre-andintrapartum periods.
Platelets < 100 000, BP should be
maintained < 150/100
IV Magnesium to prevent seizures
Drug of choice:
Methyldopa
Hydralazine
Other disorders
Perioperative hypertension
target BP to within 20% of baseline, except if
potential for life threatening arterial bleeding
typically related to catecholamine surge postop.
Drug of choice:
B-blocker
Labetalol
Local
Tygerberg
F1(medical outpatients)
Nitroglycerine
Cardiology ICU
Nitroglycerine
Renal unit
Labetalol
Obstetrics
Labetalol
Hydralazine
Local
Grootte Schuur (C15)
Nitroglycerine (Tridal)
Victoria
Nitroglycerine (Tridal/Nitrocine)
Labetalol
Can get Sodium nitroprusside
Summary
HPT crisis - serious condition - associated with
EOD, if left untreated
High mortality - untreated
Main causes non-compliance and poorly
controlled chronic hypertension.
Urgency vs emergency
Treatment should be tailored to the individuals
condition
HPT urgency initial goal max 25% drop in MAP in
first 3 hours
Precipitous drop just as bad good continuous
monitoring essential
References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/diseasemanagement/nephrology/crises/crises.htm
McCowan C. Hypertensive Emergencies. Available at
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Hollander JE. Cocaine intoxication and hypertension. Ann Emerg Med. Mar 2008;51:S1820
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