Adult Patients in the Emergency Department With Asymptomatic Elevated Blood Pressure

Publication Date: February 1, 2013
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

Patient Management

In ED patients with asymptomatic markedly elevated blood pressure, routine screening for acute target organ injury (eg, serum creatinine, urinalysis, ECG) is not required. (C)
325320
In select patient populations (eg, poor follow-up), screening for an elevated serum creatinine level may identify kidney injury that affects disposition (eg, hospital admission). (C)
325320
In patients with asymptomatic markedly elevated blood pressure, routine ED medical intervention is not required. (C)
325320
In select patient populations (eg, poor follow-up), emergency physicians may treat markedly elevated blood pressure in the ED and/or initiate therapy for long-term control. (C)
[Consensus recommendation]
325320
Patients with asymptomatic markedly elevated blood pressure should be referred for outpatient follow-up. (C)
[Consensus recommendation]
325320

Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Adult Patients in the Emergency Department With Asymptomatic Elevated Blood Pressure

Authoring Organization

American College of Emergency Physicians

Publication Month/Year

February 1, 2013

Last Updated Month/Year

September 13, 2023

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

This clinical policy from the American College of Emergency Physicians is the revision of a 2006 policy on the evaluation and management of adult patients with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure in the emergency department

Target Patient Population

Patients with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Male, Adolescent, Adult, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Emergency care

Intended Users

Paramedic emt, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Assessment and screening, Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D000075222 - Essential Hypertension, D004635 - Emergency Medicine, D001794 - Blood Pressure, D015924 - Blood Pressure Monitors, D058070 - Asymptomatic Diseases

Keywords

high blood pressure, asymptomatic, emergency medicine

Source Citation

Ann Emerg Med. 2013;62:59-68.

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Data Supplement