Blood pressure management in cardiovascular emergencies: an evidence-based approach

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-30-2024

Publication Title

AME Med J

Abstract

Cardiovascular emergencies are a common presenting pathology to emergency departments worldwide with millions of visits each year, many of which are admitted for further management and require close follow-up in the outpatient setting. A significant percentage of these end up requiring intensive care unit admission due to the considerable morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions. Blood pressure plays an integral role in the pathology surrounding these cardiovascular emergencies. Not surprisingly, mortality has been found to be higher with both hypertension and hypotension in a number of them. Despite this, there is a paucity of evidence around blood pressure management specifically in acute aortic dissection, hypertensive cardiogenic pulmonary edema, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and post cardiac arrest after return of spontaneous circulation. The practice guidelines for these four cardiovascular emergencies are often cited as a highest level of evidence of level C-EO, or consensus of expert opinion based on clinical experience. This clinical practice review aims to provide a structured, evidence-based approach to blood pressure management in these four cardiovascular emergencies based on observational trial data, expert consensus, organizational guidelines, and the most recent randomized control trials framed by their pathophysiology. The framework provided intends to be immediately clinically applicable to those caring for these patients.

Volume

2024

Issue

9

Find It @ Sladen

Share

COinS