GuidelinesPrimary Care STG
Hypertensive Emergency
Hypertensive Emergency
I10
DESCRIPTION
A markedly elevated BP: systolic BP > 180 mmHg and/or a diastolic BP > 130 mmHg associated with ≥ one of the following:
- Unstable angina/ chest pain
- Neurological signs, e.g. severe headache, visual disturbances, confusion, coma or seizures
- Pulmonary oedema
- Renal failure
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- Amlodipine, oral, 10 mg immediately as a single dose
If pulmonary oedema:
- Furosemide, IV, 40 mg as a single dose (See: Pulmonary oedema, acute)
|
CAUTION A hypertensive emergency is life threatening and needs immediate referral to hospital |
REFERRAL
Urgent
- All patients
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.0_1 November 2024
Chapter 4: Cardiovascular Conditions_4.7.2 Hypertensive Emergency