Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure (BP) ≥130/80 mm Hg. Hypertensive emergency (Table 6) is defined by a BP ≥180/110 mm Hg and signs and symptoms of severely elevated BP. The mechanisms that lead to severely elevated BP appear to be related to a failure of normal autoregulatory function resulting in increased vascular resistance caused by endogenous vasopressors in patients with unrecognized or under-treated hypertension; and/or following the administration of sympathomimetic drugs such as high doses of epinephrine.
Prevention:
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Signs and symptoms:
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Emergency response:
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Nota bene:
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