- Inclusion:
- Age ≥ 18
- Symptomatic elevated BP
- Lack signs of symptoms of acute target organ injury.
- Exclusion:
- Acute hypertensive emergencies (acute stroke, cardiac ischemia, pulmonary edema, encephalopathy, CHF)
- Pregnant
- ESRD
- Emergent conditions that are likely to cause elevated BP not directly related to acute target organ injury
- Acute presentation of serious medical conditions associated with hypertension (stroke, MI, CHF)
- Level A: None
- Level B: None
- Level C:
- Routine screening for acute target organ injury (Cr, UA, ECG) not required
- In select patient population ( poor follow up), screening creatinine may identify kidney injury that affects disposition.
- Routine ED medical intervention not required.
- May treat elevated BP in ED +/or initiate therapy for long term control in select patients.
- Refer for outpatient follow up.
Clinical Policy: Critical issues in the evaluation and management of adult patients in the emergency department with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure. Ann Emerg Med. 2013;62:59-68.