Overview
Clinical Meaning
The clinician managing hypertensive crisis performs comprehensive evaluation for secondary causes, selects target specific treatment strategies, prescribes IV and transition ora...
The clinician managing hypertensive crisis performs comprehensive evaluation for secondary causes, selects target-specific treatment strategies, prescribes IV and transition oral antihypertensives, and coordinates ICU care. Secondary hypertension workup is essential in any hypertensive emergency, particularly in young patients or treatment-resistant cases. Renovascular hypertension (renal artery stenosis) is assessed by renal artery duplex ultrasound, CT angiography, or MR angiography; elevated plasma renin activity and aldosterone suggest RAAS activation. Pheochromocytoma is screened with plasma free metanephrines (most sensitive test) and 24-hour urine catecholamines/metanephrines. Primary hyperaldosteronism (Conn syndrome) is screened with aldosterone-to-renin ratio (above 30 with plasma aldosterone above 15 ng/dL suggests diagnosis). Cushing syndrome is screened with 24-hour urine cortisol, overnight dexamethasone suppression test, or late-night salivary cortisol. Coarctation of the aorta presents with upper extremity hypertension, lower extremity hypotension, and rib notching on CXR. The clinician integrates these findings to determine etiology-specific management, prescribes multi-drug antihypertensive regimens for discharge, addresses adherence barriers, and arranges appropriate follow-up. For resistant hypertension (uncontrolled on 3 drugs including a diuretic), the clinician considers adding spironolactone (PATHWAY-2 trial demonstrated superiority of spironolactone as fourth-line agent), evaluates...
