How is an acute hypertensive crisis treated
possible options for the management of an acute hypertensive crisis
During a procedure, pain and anxiety may precipitate hypertension. A benzodiazepine such as midazolam, mixed with an opiate such as fentanyl, is likely to decrease the blood pressure of an uncomfortable or anxious patient. To treat a patient in true hypertensive crisis, further pharmacologic intervention may be needed. Intravenous labetalol often normalizes blood pressure. Sublingual nitroglycerin and intravenous furosemide are other agents that may also be useful in this setting.
