Hypertensive Emergency: Parenteral Antihypertensives and Population Data

Curr Hypertens Rep. 2023 Dec;25(12):423-428. doi: 10.1007/s11906-023-01280-2. Epub 2023 Nov 17.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Review parenteral therapeutic choices in treatment of hypertensive crises by mechanism of action and summarize recent literature on the management of hypertensive crises.

Recent findings: Recent data have documented the safety and efficacy of labetalol and nicardipine in treatment of hypertensive crises as well as characterized the hypertensive emergency population to a much greater extent. Based on recent data, hypertensive emergencies are seen in 0.5% of all emergency room visits. Ischemic stroke and heart failure/pulmonary edema are the most common forms of organ damage seen in hypertensive emergencies. There are many therapeutic choices in treatment of hypertensive crises with varied mechanisms of action. Large randomized, controlled trial evidence is lacking in this therapeutic area; however, recent data have documented the safety and efficacy of labetalol and nicardipine.

Keywords: HMOD; Hypertension; Hypertensive emergency; Organ damage; Parenteral therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Emergencies
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / drug therapy
  • Hypertensive Encephalopathy*
  • Labetalol* / therapeutic use
  • Nicardipine / therapeutic use
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents
  • Nicardipine
  • Labetalol