Background: Hypertension affects individuals of all classes and across all groups. The relationship between blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease events is continuous and independent of other risk factors.
Aim and Objectives: The present study aimed to identify various modes of presentation and the clinical profile of hypertensive emergencies in our hospital.
Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 100 patients admitted to this hospital over a period of two years. Patients who presented with an elevated blood pressure of systolic blood pressure >180mmHg or diastolic blood pressure >110mmHg, with a history of acute target organ damage, or with laboratory evidence of acute target organ damage were included in the study.
Results: Of the 100 patients studied, 88 were known hypertensives, among whom 54 had discontinued their antihypertensives before the incident, while the remaining 46 patients continued their medication. Among the 100 patients, 28 had diabetes mellitus and 28 had dyslipidemias. Out of 100 patients with hypertensive emergencies, 12 died before discharge, resulting in a hospital mortality rate of 12%. All expired patients had intracerebral hemorrhage.
Conclusion: Known hypertensives are at a higher risk of presenting with acute target organ damage associated with hypertensive emergency. The presence of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia increases the chance of developing hypertensive emergencies.
