Hypertension: Diagnosis, Acute Antihypertension Therapy, and Long-Term Management

Hypertension remains a major modiliable risk factor for coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, and renal disease. Although great strides have been made in increasing patient awareness, lifestyle changes, and compliance with treatment protocols, hypertensive emergencies and hypertensive urgencies remain a major concern. Unless treated promptly, irreversible target organ damage will ensue, Therefore, patients with acutely elevated blood pressure, regardless of cause, must be evaluated expeditiously, and appropriate treatment must be initiated. Nurses must be able to assess and monitor patients and their progress and recognize signs and symptoms of complications related to hypertension. Once blood pressure control has been achieved, nurses initiate patient education. However, long-term management must not only include blood pressure monitoring and patient education, but also emphasize lifestyle changes