Hypertensive Crisis

Hypertension is a common medical problem. It affects approximately one in four adults worldwide; with evidence that the prevalence is rising. In the USA; approximately 30 of adults have some form of hypertension.1 It is estimated that 1-2 of the hypertensive population will present with an acute and severe elevation of blood pressure at some stage; i.e. hypertensive crisis: systolic blood pressure 180 mmHg; or diastolic blood pressure 120 mmHg.2