High BP in the Emergency Department: Stress or Hypertension?

Patients who are hypertensive in the ED should be advised to get follow-up blood pressure measurements.

We often assume that elevated blood pressure (BP) in the emergency department (ED) reflects stress or pain and that many patients with high BP readings in the ED do not really have sustained hypertension. In a prospective study from Chicago, investigators examined these premises.

Researchers enrolled 189 adults — none had histories of hypertension — with at least two systolic BP measurements ≥140 mm Hg or two diastolic BP measurements ≥90 mm Hg during single ED visits. All patients completed standardized assessments for pain and anxiety, were given automated home BP monitors, and were asked to record their BPs twice daily at home for 1 week. The protocol was completed by 83% of patients.

Mean systolic and diastolic BPs were significantly lowe…

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

High BP in the Emergency Department: Stress or Hypertension?

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Reviewing Author