Clinical presentation and management of patients with uncontrolled, severe hypertension: results from a public teaching hospital [abstract]

ABSTRACT

During the period 1st January, 2000 to 30th June, 2000, 156 patients who presented to the Accident and Emergency Department and had a blood pressure defined by WHO-ISH as grade 3 (severe) hypertension and received nifedipine 10 mg, were reviewed. The most common presentation was epigastric pain. All patients responded rapidly and effectively to nifedipine without tachycardia, gastrointestinal or other notable side effects of nifedipine. Contrary to current medical opinion, the study found that nifedipine was safe and effective, creating a possible dilemma for its use by primary care physicians in a developing country. (AU)