Clinical policy: critical issues in the evaluation and management of adult patients with asymptomatic hypertension in the emergency department

Antihypertensive prescription is associated with improved 30-day outcomes for discharged hypertensive emergency department patients

Background

Hypertension (HTN) is common in discharged emergency department (ED) patients, yet the short-term outcomes of treating HTN at ED discharge are unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether emergency physician (EP) prescription of oral antihypertensive therapy at ED discharge for hypertensive patients is associated with a decreased 30-day risk of the severe adverse events (AEs), death, and revisits to the ED.

Methods

We conducted an observational cohort study assessing the 30-day outcomes of discharged ED patients with HTN, comparing outcomes based on whether antihypertensive therapy was prescribed. All discharged adult ED patients from an eight-hospital system with a diagnosis of HTN from January 2016 to February 2020 were screened, and consisted of a mix of suburban and urban patients with broad ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Patients were categorized into the treatment group if they received a prescription for antihypertensive medication at ED discharge. The primary outcome was severe composite AEs from HTN (aortic catastrophe, heart failure, myocardial infarction, hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, or hypertensive encephalopathy) within 30 days of ED discharge. The secondary outcomes were death or ED revisit over the same period.

Results

The study sample consisted of 93,512 ED visits; 57.5% were female, and mean age was 59.3 years. 4.7% of patients were prescribed antihypertensive treatment at ED discharge. Within 30 days, 0.7% of patients experienced an AE, 0.1% died, and 15.2% had an ED revisit. The treatment group had significantly lower odds of AE (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.224, 95%CI 0.106-0.416, p < 0.001), and ED revisits (aOR: 0.610, 95%CI 0.547-0.678, p < 0.001), adjusting for age, race, degree of HTN, ED treatment for elevated HTN, Elixhauser comorbidity index, and heart failure history. There was no difference in odds of death 30 days after discharge.

Conclusion and relevance

Prescription antihypertensive therapy for discharged ED patients is associated with a 30-day decrease in severe adverse events and ED revisit rate.

Home Blood Pressure Telemonitoring Technology for Patients With Asymptomatic Elevated Blood Pressure Discharged From the Emergency Department: Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension affects 1 in 5 Canadians and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Hypertension control is declining due to multiple factors including lack of access to primary care. Consequently, patients with hypertension frequently visit the emergency department (ED) due to high blood pressure (BP). Telehealth for Emergency-Community Continuity of Care Connectivity via Home-Telemonitoring Blood Pressure is a pilot project that implements and evaluates a comprehensive home blood pressure telemonitoring (HBPT) and physician case management protocol designed as a postdischarge management strategy to support patients with asymptomatic elevated BP as they transition from the ED to home.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to conduct a feasibility study of an HBPT program for patients with asymptomatic elevated BP discharged from the ED.

METHODS

Patients discharged from an urban, tertiary care hospital ED with asymptomatic elevated BP were recruited in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and provided with HBPT technology for 3 months of monitoring post discharge and referred to specialist hypertension clinics. Participants monitored their BP twice in the morning and evenings and tele-transmitted readings via Bluetooth Sensor each day using an app. A monitoring clinician received these data and monitored the patient's condition daily and adjusted antihypertensive medications. Feasibility outcomes included eligibility, recruitment, adherence to monitoring, and retention rates. Secondary outcomes included proportion of those who were defined as having hypertension post-ED visits, changes in mean BP, overall BP control, medication adherence, changes to antihypertensive medications, quality of life, and end user experience at 3 months.

RESULTS

A total of 46 multiethnic patients (mean age 63, SD 17 years, 69%, n=32 women) found to have severe hypertension (mean 191, SD 23/mean 100, SD 14 mm Hg) in the ED were recruited, initiated on HBPT with hypertension specialist physician referral and followed up for 3 months. Eligibility and recruitment rates were 40% (56/139) and 88% (49/56), respectively. The proportion of participants that completed ≥80% of home BP measurements at 1 and 3 months were 67% (31/46) and 41% (19/46), respectively. The proportion of individuals who achieved home systolic BP and diastolic BP control at 3 months was 71.4% (30/42) and 85.7% (36/42) respectively. Mean home systolic and diastolic BP improved by -13/-5 mm Hg after initiation of HBPT to the end of the study. Patients were prescribed 1 additional antihypertensive medication. No differences in medication adherence from enrollment to 3 months were noted. Most patients (76%, 25/33) were highly satisfied with the HBPT program and 76% (25/33) found digital health tools easy to use.

CONCLUSIONS

HBPT intervention is a feasible postdischarge management strategy and can be beneficial in supporting patients with asymptomatic elevated BP from the ED. A randomized trial is underway to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention on BP control.

Treatment of Hypertension Among Non-Cardiac Hospitalized Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review provides a contemporary perspective and approach for the treatment of hypertension (HTN) among patients hospitalized for non-cardiac reasons.

RECENT FINDINGS

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is a common dilemma encountered by physicians, but guidelines are lacking to assist providers in managing hospitalized patients with elevated BP. Inpatient HTN is common, and management remains challenging given the paucity of data and misperceptions among training and practicing physicians. The outcomes associated with intensifying BP treatment during hospitalization can be harmful, with little to no long-term benefits. Data also suggests that medication intensification at discharge is not associated with improved outpatient BP control. Routine inpatient HTN control in the absence of end-organ damage has not shown to be helpful and may have deleterious effects. Since routine use of intravenous antihypertensives in hospitalized non-cardiac patients has been shown to prolong inpatient stay without benefits, their routine use should be avoided for inpatient HTN control. Future large-scale trials measuring clinical outcomes during prolonged follow-up may help to identify specific circumstances where inpatient HTN control may be beneficial.

Hypertension prevalence but not control varies across the spectrum of risk in patients with atrial fibrillation: A RE-LY atrial fibrillation registry sub-study

BACKGROUND

Although hypertension is the most common risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), whether blood pressure (BP) control varies across the spectrum of stroke risk in patients with AF or by adequacy of their thromboprophylaxis management is unclear.

METHODS

We examined data from the RE-LY AF registry conducted at 164 emergency departments (EDs) in 47 countries between December 2007 and October 2011.

RESULTS

Of the 15,400 patients in the registry, we analyzed the 9929 (mean age 67.5 years, 51.9% men) with a prior history of AF and complete BP data. While 6508 (66.5%) AF patients had hypertension, the prevalence varied widely depending on comorbidity profiles: from 45.4% in those without other cardiovascular risk factors to 82.5% in those with AF and diabetes. Although 93.9% of AF patients with hypertension were on at least one antihypertensive agent, fewer than half had BP levels ≤ 140/90 with no difference across risk profiles: 45.9% of those with NVAF and CHADS2 scores of 1 and 45.6% of those with NVAF and CHADS2 scores of 2 or more (46.9% and 45.3% for CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 1 versus 2 or more). BP control rates were not significantly better in those NVAF patients receiving guideline concordant thromboprophylaxis management (47.2%, aOR 1.03, 95%CI 0.89-1.20) than in those not receiving guideline-concordant antithrombotic therapy (45.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension was common in patients with AF but BP control rates were sub-optimal and varied little across the spectrum of stroke risk or by adequacy of thromboprophylaxis. This highlights the need for an increased focus on total atherosclerotic risk rather than just thromboprophylaxis management in AF patients.

Conditional prescriptions of oral antihypertensive drugs for the management of hypertension urgencies in the inpatient setting: An observational study

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVES

The management of hypertension urgencies during hospitalization may generally not necessitate urgent care. However, physicians frequently prescribe 'as needed' antihypertensive drugs for which administration is triggered by blood pressure thresholds. The lack of rationale for this hospital practice led us to study oral conditional antihypertensive (OCA) prescriptions. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of OCA prescriptions and to establish their characteristics.

METHODS

In our institution, prescriptions are computerized. The study was retrospectively performed using a hospital clinical data warehouse over a 5-year period.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The prevalence of OCA prescriptions was 6.9% among subjects treated with an antihypertensive drug. The median duration of these prescriptions was 4 days, until the day of the patient discharge in 78.8% stays. The calcium channel inhibitors were the main (79.9%) pharmacological class prescribed, with mostly prescriptions of nicardipine. OCA prescriptions were associated with another antihypertensive medication in 58.8% of the prescriptions; for 19.3%, it was a medication belonging to the same pharmacological class than the OCA drug prescribed. Regarding the computerized drafting, 39.6% of the conditional prescriptions were considered uninterpretable. At least one administration by nurses concerned 65.1% of the OCA prescriptions. The mean SBP and DBP before the initiation of an OCA drug was 142.9 ± 28.2 and 75.8 ± 24.5 mm Hg, respectively, relative to 143.0 ± 24.9 and 77.6 ± 19.9 mm Hg after the initiation (P = .8 for SBP and P = .06 for DBP).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The originality of this study lies in the use of a clinical data warehouse to evaluate OCA prescriptions in hospital. These prescriptions are current, often uninterpretable and mostly ordered until patient discharge. Such drug orders could be associated with an increased risk of iatrogenic events and/or administration errors. This underlies the need for developing decision support tools and computerized protocols to manage hypertension urgencies.

An Unmet Need Meets an Untapped Resource: Pharmacist-Led Pathways for Hypertension Management for Emergency Department Patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to describe the role of the pharmacist in innovative pathways of care for hypertension (HTN) management for emergency department (ED) patients, particularly in under-resourced communities. Due to intersecting socioeconomic and personal health risk factors, these patients bear a disproportionate share of cardiovascular disease, yet often have limited access to high-quality primary care.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent meta-analyses demonstrate a clear advantage associated with pharmacist-physician collaborative models over traditional physician-only care in achieving blood pressure control. However, no prior study has evaluated use of pharmacist-led follow-up for ED patients with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP). Thus, we developed a pharmacist-driven transitional care clinic (TCC) that utilizes a collaborative practice agreement with ED physicians to improve HTN management for ED patients. We have successfully implemented the TCC in a high-volume urban ED and in a pilot study have shown clinically relevant BP reductions with our collaborative model. The use of pharmacist-led follow-up for HTN management is highly effective. Novel programs such as our TCC, which extend the reach of such a model to ED patients, are promising, and future studies should focus on implementation through larger, multicenter, randomized trials. However, to be most effective, policy advocacy is needed to expand pharmacist prescriptive authority and develop innovative financial models to incentivize this practice.

Emergency Nursing Policy and Hypertension Awareness: an Integrative Review of the Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This study aims to systematically examine the literature on nursing policy and hypertension (HTN) awareness in the emergency department (ED).

RECENT FINDINGS

The electronic databases searched included Pubmed, OVID, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Studies were limited by adult, English language, and peer-reviewed articles published in the USA between the years 2015 and 2018. Our literature search allowed for quantitative and qualitative studies with a focus on nursing policy and adult patients treated in the ED who have HTN or elevated BP. Eight quantitative studies were retained for review and appraisal, and were rated to be of moderate quality evidence. Findings were summarized under three themes: BP reassessment, referral, and practice. The role of ED nurses in the screening and referral of this patient population remains largely uncharacterized. More robust trials are critically needed to improve practice and outcomes for patients with uncontrolled HTN. Clinical trials are needed to examine the efficacy of ED-based interventions on BP control, using multi-disciplinary samples of ED clinicians.

Feasibility of Emergency Department-initiated, Mobile Health Blood Pressure Intervention: An Exploratory, Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess the feasibility of a text messaging intervention by determining the proportion of emergency department (ED) patients who responded to prompted home blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring and had persistent hypertension. We also explored the effect of the intervention on systolic blood pressure (sBP) over time.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of ED patients with expected discharge to home with elevated BP. Participants were identified by automated alerts from the electronic health record. Those who consented received a BP cuff to take home and enrolled in the 3-week screening phase. Text responders with persistent hypertension were randomized to control or weekly prompted BP self-monitoring and healthy behavior text messages.

RESULTS

Among the 104 patients enrolled in the ED, 73 reported at least one home BP over the 3-week run-in (screening) period. A total of 55 of 73 reported a home BP of ≥140/90 and were randomized to SMS intervention (n = 28) or control (n = 27). The intervention group had significant sBP reduction over time with a mean drop of 9.1 mm Hg (95% confidence interval = 1.1 to 17.6).

CONCLUSIONS

The identification of ED patients with persistent hypertension using home BP self-monitoring and text messaging was feasible. The intervention was associated with a decrease in sBP likely to be clinically meaningful. Future studies are needed to further refine this approach and determine its efficacy.

National trends in the emergency department management of adult patients with elevated blood pressure from 2005 to 2015

Emergency department (ED)-based screening and referral of patients with elevated blood pressure (BP) are recommended by 2006 and 2013 American College of Emergency Physicians guidelines; however, it is unknown if these recommendations or disparities in care impact clinical practice. The objectives of the study were to assess temporal trends in antihypertensive prescriptions, outpatient follow-up referrals, and diagnosis of hypertension (HTN)/elevated BP and to identify potential disparities by patient characteristics. Using the 2005-2015 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, we examined the frequency and trends over time of antihypertensive prescriptions, outpatient follow-up referrals, and BP diagnoses for US ED visits by adult patients with an elevated triage BP and identified potential disparities in management by patient demography and socioeconomic status. Of the 594 million eligible ED visits by patients from 2005 to 2015, 1.2% (1.0%-1.4%) received antihypertensive prescriptions at discharge, 82.3% (80.0%-83.6%) outpatient follow-up referrals, and 2.1% (1.9%-2.4%) an HTN/elevated BP diagnosis. There were small annual increases over time in the odds of antihypertensive prescriptions at discharge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.05 [1.00-1.10]), follow-up referrals (aOR 1.04 [1.01-1.07]), and HTN/elevated BP diagnosis (aOR 1.05 [1.02-1.08]). For BPs ≥160/100 mm Hg, prescriptions were more common for Blacks (aOR 2.36 [1.93, 2.88]) and uninsured patients (aOR 1.81 [1.38, 2.38]), and diagnoses were more common for Blacks (aOR 1.95 [1.70, 2.24]) and uninsured patients (aOR 1.30 [1.09, 1.55]). These data suggest little change in and the need for improvement in the management of ED patients with elevated BP, despite the American College of Emergency Physicians guidelines, and raise concern about patient care disparities.

Institutional Pathways to Improve Care of Patients with Elevated Blood Pressure in the Emergency Department

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypertension (HTN) is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease and poses a major population level risk to long-term health outcomes. Despite this critical importance, and the widespread availability of effective and affordable medications, blood pressure (BP) remains uncontrolled in up to 50% of the diagnosed patients. This problem is exacerbated in communities with limited access to primary care, who often utilize hospital emergency departments (EDs) as their primary healthcare resource. Despite the ubiquity of patients presenting to EDs with severely elevated BP, a unified, evidence-based approach is not yet widely implemented, and both under- and overtreatment are common. The purpose of this review is to describe an approach towards institutional policy regarding asymptomatic HTN, in which we will translate the accepted principles of appropriate outpatient BP management to ED and inpatient settings.

RECENT FINDINGS

Results from the recent SPRINT trial, and the subsequent publication of the American Heart Association updated guidelines for the treatment of HTN, significantly lower both the diagnostic threshold and the treatment goals for hypertensive patients. This change will drastically increase the proportion of patients presenting to EDs with newly diagnosed and uncontrolled HTN. Several recent studies emphasize the safety in outpatient management of patients with severely elevated BP in the absence of acute end-organ damage and, conversely, the long- and intermediate-term risk associated with these patients. System-based approaches, particularly those led by non-physicians, have shown the greatest promise in reducing population level uncontrolled HTN. Evidence-based approaches, such as those described in emergency medicine and cardiology society guidelines, can guide appropriate management of ED and inpatient BP elevations. Translating these patient oriented guidelines into institutional policy, and maintaining provider adherence, is a challenge across healthcare institutions. We present here several examples of successful policies developed and implemented by the authors. While brief inpatient and ED encounters cannot replace long-term outpatient care, they have the potential to serve as a crucial inlet to health care and an opportunity to optimize care.

Recognition of Asymptomatic Hypertension in an Urban Emergency Department: Where Are We Now?

Persistently elevated blood pressure ([BP]; hypertension [HTN]) occurs at higher rates in the emergency department ([ED]; 44%) than in the general population (27%) and disproportionately affects black patients and older adults. The American College of Emergency Physicians recommends referral to primary care for HTN confirmation and management when patients are asymptomatic and their BP is persistently elevated (). However, adherence to this clinical policy is suboptimal. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of asymptomatic HTN, rates of BP reassessment and referral, and factors associated with it among adult patients who visit the ED and who were discharged a decade after this policy was disseminated. A retrospective chart analysis of adults with an initial BP of 140/90 mmHg or greater and who were discharged was included in the sampling frame. Appropriate bivariate analysis, followed by multivariate regression, was conducted. There were 2,367 patients who met inclusion criteria, of which 1,184 patients had asymptomatic HTN. A greater proportion of the sample was male (51.3%), Black (43.2%; p < 0.000), middle aged (μ = 50.2 ± 16), and covered by Medicaid (39.8%). Mean initial BP was 170/88 mmHg. A large proportion of patients with asymptomatic HTN (94.2%) had no previously diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD). The BP reassessment rate was 49% (μ = 158/88), and these patients were more likely to have no previously diagnosed CVDs (p = 0.02). Only 4.6% (n = 28) of patients with asymptomatic HTN were referred, and these patients were more likely to have no previously diagnosed CVDs (p = 0.000) and be middle-aged (p = 0.008). Adherence to follow-up was 100%.

Trends in the Incidence of Hypertensive Emergencies in US Emergency Departments From 2006 to 2013

Background

The incidence of hypertensive emergency in US emergency departments (ED) is not well established.

Methods and Results

This study is a descriptive epidemiological analysis of nationally representative ED visit‐level data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for 2006–2013. Nationwide Emergency Department Sample is a publicly available database maintained by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. An ED visit was considered to be a hypertensive emergency if it met all the following criteria: diagnosis of acute hypertension, at least 1 diagnosis indicating acute target organ damage, and qualifying disposition (admission to the hospital, death, or transfer to another facility). The incidence of adult ED visits for acute hypertension increased monotonically in the period from 2006 through 2013, from 170 340 (1820 per million adult ED visits overall) to 496 894 (4610 per million). Hypertensive emergency was rare overall, accounting for 63 406 visits (677 per million adult ED visits overall) in 2006 to 176 769 visits (1670 per million) in 2013. Among adult ED visits that had any diagnosis of hypertension, hypertensive emergency accounted for 3309 per million in 2006 and 6178 per million in 2013.

Conclusions

The estimated number of visits for hypertensive emergency and the rate per million adult ED visits has more than doubled from 2006 to 2013. However, hypertensive emergencies are rare overall, occurring in about 2 in 1000 adult ED visits overall, and 6 in 1000 adult ED visits carrying any diagnosis of hypertension in 2013. This figure is far lower than what has been sometimes cited in previous literature.

Survey of Emergency Physician Approaches to Management of Asymptomatic Hypertension

Uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) is commonly encountered in emergency medicine practice, but the optimal approach to management has not been delineated. The objective of this study was to define emergency physician (EP) approaches to management of asymptomatic HTN in various clinical scenarios and assess adherence to the American College of Emergency Physician clinical policies, utilizing an online survey of EPs. A total of 1200 surveys were distributed by e-mail with completion by 199 participants. The variables associated with a decision to prescribe oral antihypertensive medications were a history of HTN and referral from primary care. Acute blood pressure (BP) reduction using intravenous antihypertensive medications was also more likely with the latter and BP >180/120 mm Hg. Logistic regression revealed association of EP female sex, fewer years in practice, and a high-volume practice setting with guideline-concordant therapy. Wide variability exists in EP approaches to patients with asymptomatic HTN. Treatment decisions were impacted by patient history of chronic HTN, referral from primary care providers, and magnitude of BP elevation.

Hypertension in the Emergency Department

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for the global burden of disease, yet more than 20% of adults with hypertension are unaware of their condition. Underlying hypertension affects over 25% emergency department attendees, and the condition is more commonly encountered in emergency departments than in primary care settings. Emergency departments are strategically well placed to fulfill the important public health goal of screening for hypertension, yet less than 30% of patients with mild to severe hypertension are referred for follow up. In predominantly African American populations, subclinical hypertensive disease is highly prevalent in ED attendees with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure. Although medical intervention is not usually required, in select patient populations, it may be beneficial for antihypertensive medications to be started or adjusted in the emergency department, aiming for optimizing blood pressure control earlier while waiting for continuing care.

As-needed intravenous antihypertensive therapy and blood pressure control

BACKGROUND

Hospitalized patients with elevated blood pressure (BP) in most cases should be treated with intensification of oral regimens, but are often given intravenous (IV) antihypertensives.

OBJECTIVE

To determine frequency of prescribing and administering episodic IV antihypertensives and outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Urban academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Non-critically ill, hospitalized patients with an IV antihypertensive order for enalaprilat, labetalol, hydralazine, or metoprolol.

MEASUREMENTS

We analyzed BP thresholds for ordering and administering IV antihypertensives, the types and frequencies of IV antihypertensives administered, and the effect of IV antihypertensive use on short-term BP and adverse outcomes. The BP change during hospitalization was contrasted in those receiving IV antihypertensives between those who did and did not receive subsequent intensification of chronic oral antihypertensive regimens.

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-six patients had an episodic IV antihypertensive order. One hundred seventy-two patients received 458 doses, with 48% receiving a single dose. Over 98% of episodic IV antihypertensive doses were administered for systolic blood pressure (SBP) <200 mm Hg and 84.5% for SBP <180 mm Hg. Within 6 hours of administration, there was a statistically significant decline in average SBP and diastolic BP in patients receiving IV hydralazine and labetolol. After administration of IV antihypertensives, the oral inpatient medication regimen was adjusted in 52% of patients; these patients had a greater reduction in SBP from admission to discharge than patients with no change to their oral regimens. A total of 32.6% of patients receiving treatment experienced a BP reduction of more than 25% within 6 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

IV antihypertensive drugs are ordered and administered in patients with asymptomatic, uncontrolled BP for levels unassociated with substantive immediate cardiovascular risk, which may cause adverse effects.

Incidence of Hypertension-Related Emergency Department Visits in the United States, 2006 to 2012

Hypertension is a common chronic condition, but the burden of emergency department (ED) visits due to hypertension and associated patient and hospital characteristics are not well described. The goals of this study were to (1) establish the burden of hypertension-related ED visits, estimated by the total number, proportion of adult visits, and population-based rate, (2) evaluate for change over time, and (3) identify associated patient and hospital characteristics. The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample from 2006 to 2012 was used to identify hypertension-related ED visits (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes 401 to 405, inclusive, and 437.2), and this was linked to US Census Bureau July population estimates to determine population-based rates for each study year. Negative binomial regression was performed to determine whether rates of hypertension-related ED visits changed over time. A total of 165,946,807 hypertension-related ED visits occurred during the 7-year study period (23.6% of all adult ED visits), and hypertension was the primary diagnosis for 6,399,088 (0.9% of all adult ED visits). The estimated yearly incidence rate increased 5.2% per year (incident rate ratio, 1.052; 95% confidence interval, 1.044 to 1.061; p <0.001) for hypertension-related visits and 4.4% per year (incidence rate ratio, 1.044; 95% confidence interval, 1.038 to 1.051; p <0.001) for ED visits with a primary diagnosis of hypertension. Over the same time, the proportion hospitalized decreased and the proportion of visits increased at safety net hospitals and among uninsured patients. In conclusion, these data indicate that hypertension-related ED visits are common and increasing.

Management of Discharged Emergency Department Patients with a Primary Diagnosis of Hypertension: A Multicentre Study

Introduction Many patients are seen in the emergency department (ED) for hypertension, and the numbers will likely increase in the future. Given limited evidence to guide the management of such patients, the practice of one's peers provides a de facto standard.

METHODS

A survey was distributed to emergency physicians during academic rounds at three community and four tertiary EDs. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of participants who had a blood pressure (BP) threshold at which they would offer a new antihypertensive prescription to patients they were sending home from the ED. Secondary outcomes included patient- and provider-level factors associated with initiating an antihypertensive based on clinical vignettes of a 69-year-old man with two levels of hypertension (160/100 vs 200/110 mm Hg), as well as the recommended number of days after which to follow up with a primary care provider following ED discharge.

RESULTS

All 81 surveys were completed (100%). Half (51.9%; 95% CI 40.5-63.1) of participants indicated that they had a systolic BP threshold for initiating an antihypertensive, and 55.6% (95% CI 44.1-66.6) had a diastolic threshold: mean systolic threshold was 199 mm Hg (SD 19) while diastolic was 111 mm Hg (SD 8). A higher BP (OR 12.9; 95% CI 7.5-22.2) and more patient comorbidities (OR 3.0; 95% CI 2.1-4.3) were associated with offering an antihypertensive prescription, while physician years of practice, certification type, and hospital type were not. Participants recommended follow-up care within a median 7.0 and 3.0 days for the patient with lower and higher BP levels, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Half of surveyed emergency physicians report having a BP threshold to start an antihypertensive; BP levels and number of patient comorbidities were associated with a modification of the decision, while physician characteristics were not. Most physicians recommended follow-up care within seven days of ED discharge.

Blood pressure treatment and outcomes in hypertensive patients without acute target organ damage: a retrospective cohort

OBJECTIVES

The objective is of the study to evaluate the effect of antihypertensive therapy in emergency department (ED) patients with markedly elevated blood pressure (BP) but no signs/symptoms of acute target organ damage (TOD).

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of ED patients age 18 years and older with an initial BP greater than or equal to 180/100 mm Hg and no acute TOD, who were discharged with a primary diagnosis of hypertension. Patients were divided based on receipt of antihypertensive therapy and outcomes (ED revisits and mortality) and were compared.

RESULTS

Of 1016 patients, 435 (42.8%) received antihypertensive therapy, primarily (88.5%) oral clonidine. Average age was 49.2 years, and 94.5% were African American. Treated patients more often had a history of hypertension (93.1% vs 84.3%; difference = -8.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], -12.5 to -4.9) and had higher mean initial systolic (202 vs 185 mm Hg; difference = 16.9; 95% CI, -19.7 to -14.1) and diastolic (115 vs 106 mm Hg; difference = -8.6; 95% CI, -10.3 to -6.9) BP. Emergency department revisits at 24 hours (4.4% vs 2.4%; difference = -2.0; 95% CI, -4.5 to 0.3) and 30 days (18.9% vs 15.2%; difference = -3.7; 95% CI, -8.5 to 0.9) and mortality at 30 days (0.2% vs 0.2%; difference = 0; 95% CI, -1.1 to 0.8) and 1 year (2.1% vs 1.6%; difference = -0.5; 95% CI, -2.5 to 1.2) were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Revisits and mortality were similar for ED patients with markedly elevated BP but no acute TOD, whether they were treated with antihypertensive therapy, suggesting relative safety with either approach.

Barriers to referral for elevated blood pressure in the emergency department and differences between provider type

A multidisciplinary sample of emergency department providers across the United States (n=450) were surveyed to identify barriers to referral for elevated blood pressure (BP) in the emergency department and differences between provider type. Registered nurses reported less knowledge of stage I hypertension (P=.043) and prehypertension (P<.01); were less aware of definitions for hypertension (P<.001); reported more difficulty in caring for patients who are asymptomatic (P=.007); required financial compensation to refer (P=.048); and perceived that BP referrals are influenced by the medical director (P<.001). Medical doctors reported more skills to refer (P=.008) and time as a barrier (P=.038). Physician assistants were more likely to report patients are not aware of health benefits (P=.035), doubted their concern for their BP (P=.023), and felt emotionally uncomfortable when referring (P=.025). Despite these differences, there was no significant difference between provider type and referral rates.

Elevated diastolic, but not systolic, blood pressure measured in the emergency department predicts future development of hypertension in normotensive individuals

Elevated blood pressure (BP) is reported in many individuals without hypertension presenting to the emergency department (ED). Whether this condition represents a transient state or is predictive for the development of future hypertension is unknown. This observational prospective study investigated patients admitted to an ED without a diagnosis of hypertension in whom BP values were ≥140/90 mm Hg. The primary outcome was development of hypertension during follow-up. Overall, 195 patients were recruited and at the end of follow-up (average 30.14±15.96 months), 142 patients were diagnosed with hypertension (73%). The mean age (50±12.25 vs 48.31±13.9, P=.419) and sex distribution (78 men/64 women vs 24 men/20 women, respectively; P=.148) were similar in both groups. There were significant differences in systolic and diastolic BP between those who developed hypertension on follow-up and those who did not (177.6 mm Hg±22.6/106.1 mm Hg±16.9 vs 168.6 mm Hg±18/95.2 mm Hg±12.2; P=.011 for systolic BP, P<.001 for diastolic BP). In multivariate analysis the only significant predictive factor for the development of hypertension was diastolic hypertension recorded in the ED (P=.03). Elevated diastolic, but not systolic, BP among patients presenting to the ED is associated with future development of hypertension in previously normotensive individuals.

Epidemiology of elevated blood pressure in the ED

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and demographics of elevated blood pressure (BP) in emergency department (ED) patients.

METHODS

Retrospective study at an academic ED. ED patients with any systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90mm Hg over a 1-year period were included. Data pertaining to frequency of elevated BP across different ethnic categories, age groups, days of the week, shifts, and gender were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 44435 patient records were accessed. Overall 47.6% (95% CI, 47.2%-48.1%) of patients had elevated BP (SBP ≥140mm Hg or DBP ≥90mm Hg). Fifty three percent (95% CI, 52%-54%) were women. Among patients with elevated BP, 18% (95% CI, 17.8%-18.9%) had severe BP elevation (SBP ≥180 or DBP ≥110). Overall, patients >45years old were more likely to have elevated BP in ED. Across all ethnic groups, BP increased with age. Significant differences were noted in the prevalence of elevated BP between whites (52%), and other ethnic groups (African Americans [45%] and Hispanics [31%]) (P < .01). Overall, 64% (95% CI, 63.3%-64.6%) of patients with elevated BP were discharged from the ED. Forty four percent (95% CI, 42.4%-45.5%) of patients with severe BP elevation were also discharged from the ED.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides knowledge of distribution of elevated BP among different age, gender and ethnic groups in the ED which can be used to develop specific interventions to improve recognition, prevention, detection, and treatment of hypertension.

High-Risk Patients with Hypertension: Clinical Management Options

Hypertension, one of the most common human diseases worldwide, affects nearly 1 billion individuals. Complaints related to hypertension are commonly evaluated and treated in the acute care settings such as emergency departments and acute care medical clinics. The evaluation, treatment, and disposition of these patients require thorough knowledge of potential complications and treatment options. This manuscript details a structured approach to evaluating high-risk patients with acute hypertension-related complaints and provides recommendations for treatment and disposition.

Development of a screening and brief intervention and referral for treatment for ED patients at risk for undiagnosed hypertension: a qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Providing a screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment (SBIRT) may encourage patients to obtain provider follow-up for definitive evaluation and treatment of undiagnosed hypertension (HTN). The aims of this study were to determine characteristics of an intervention that would persuade patients to follow-up with a primary care physician for further blood pressure (BP) evaluation, and encourage ED clinicians to provide an SBIRT for patients with elevated BP with no known history of HTN.

METHODS

Qualitative methods were used to analyze individual interviews with ED clinicians and patients. Questions focused on participants' opinions of the meaning of elevated BP, and facilitators and barriers to recommending referral for follow-up (clinicians) or facilitators and barriers to making and keeping a follow-up appointment (patients). Three reviewers coded the interviews using grounded theory.

RESULTS

Clinicians identified time constraints and patient-specific factors such as difficulty securing follow-up as major barriers. Some clinicians considered an electronic reminder as a potential facilitator to providing counseling. Patients reported family support and information about complications of uncontrolled HTN such as stroke would increase the likelihood of follow-up. Patient-specific barriers to follow-up included inability to obtain time off from work, forgetfulness, and wait time for an appointment.

CONCLUSIONS

An SBIRT-HTN could be developed to target patients with elevated BP during an ED visit. The intervention must be simple, easy to implement, and include automated processes to remind clinicians to deliver the intervention. The intervention should include a description of the complications of untreated HTN and an outpatient physician referral.

Subclinical hypertensive heart disease in black patients with elevated blood pressure in an inner-city emergency department

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We examine the point prevalence of subclinical hypertensive heart disease in a cohort of urban emergency department (ED) patients with elevated blood pressure.

METHODS

A convenience sample of hypertensive (blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mm Hg on 2 measurements) patients aged 35 years or older with no history of cardiac or renal disease who presented to a single urban ED and were asymptomatic from a cardiovascular perspective (ie, no symptoms of dyspnea or chest pain) were enrolled. All patients underwent a standardized evaluation (including echocardiography), and subclinical hypertensive heart disease was defined by the presence of one or more of the following criterion-based echocardiographic [corrected] findings: left-ventricular hypertrophy, systolic dysfunction, or diastolic dysfunction.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients were included. Mean age was 49.8 years (SD 8.3 years), 93.8% were black, and 51.6% were men. Nearly all (93.8%) had a history of hypertension, and many (68.3%) were receiving antihypertensive therapy at baseline. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 183.9 mm Hg (SD 25.1 mm Hg) and 109.5 mm Hg (SD 14.4 mm Hg), respectively. Subclinical hypertensive heart disease was found in 146 patients (90.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 85.2% to 94.3%), with most (n=131) displaying evidence of diastolic dysfunction (89.7%; 95% CI 83.7% to 93.7%). Left-ventricular hypertrophy was also common (n=89; 61.0%; 95% CI 52.9% to 68.5%) and was often (but not exclusively) present in those with diastolic filling abnormalities (n=75; 57.3%; 95% CI 48.7% to 65.4%).

CONCLUSION

In our largely black cohort of ED patients with elevated blood pressure, subclinical hypertensive heart disease was highly prevalent, suggesting the need for coordinated efforts to reduce cardiac consequences of hypertension in such inner-city communities.

Hypertension in the elderly

The elderly are the most rapidly growing population group in the world. Data collected over a 30-year period have demonstrated the increasing prevalence of hypertension with age. The risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart disease, chronic kidney insufficiency and dementia is also increased in this subgroup of hypertensives. Hypertension in the elderly patients represents a management dilemma to cardiovascular specialists and other practioners. During the last years and before the findings of the Systolic Hypertension in Europe Trial were published, the general medical opinion considered not to decrease blood pressure values similarly to other younger patients, in order to avoid possible ischemic events and poor oxygenation of the organs (brain, heart, kidney). The aim of this review article is to highlight the importance of treating hypertension in aged population in order to improve their quality of life and lower the incidence of the cardiovascular complications.

A pilot study to evaluate learning style-tailored information prescriptions for hypertensive emergency department patients

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study explored whether learning style-tailored education materials, "information prescriptions," are effective in increasing hypertension knowledge in emergency room patients.

METHODS

In a randomized trial, hypertensive emergency medicine patients received either standard care discharge instructions or discharge instructions in combination with an information prescription individualized to each patient's learning-style preference. Two weeks post-visit, the study team assessed changes in hypertension knowledge via a survey.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed for changes in quiz scores on the hypertension knowledge assessment, though patients receiving the tailored information prescriptions reported higher levels of satisfaction with intervention materials.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated the workflow feasibility of implementing a learning-style approach to patient education in the emergency department setting. Further research is needed to develop more robust measures of high blood pressure knowledge among the emergency department patient population. This work will contribute to establishing a framework for developing customized information prescriptions that can be broadly adapted for use in varied settings and with varied health care conditions.

Feasibility of referral of patients with elevated blood pressure from the Emergency Department

Recent studies suggest that patients' elevated blood pressure (BP) readings in the Emergency Department (ED) may be due to hypertension (HTN) rather than pain and anxiety. Identifying BP patterns suggestive of HTN in the ED presents an opportunity for referral. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to assess the feasibility of referral of ED patients with elevated BP readings suggestive of HTN. Adults with elevated BP suggestive of HTN and no history of HTN were tracked as to referral status using an actively monitored ED referral system. Patients referred to a community clinic network were tracked regarding clinic visits, subsequent BP, and diagnosis of HTN. Of 662 patients with elevated BP in the ED at triage, 197 (29.8%) had a pattern of blood pressure readings that were suggestive of HTN. Of these, 63 (32.0%) were referred to in-network clinics, 5 (2.5%) were referred out of network, and 129 (65.5%) were not referred. Of the 63 referred to network clinics, 17 (27.0%) kept their appointments and of those, 5 (29.4%) were diagnosed with HTN. Elevated BP was not mentioned in any ED physician referral notes as a reason for referral and the number of appointments kept among patients who were referred was low. Referral to outpatient clinics based on BP levels suggestive of HTN may not be feasible despite active referral systems.

The feasibility and effectiveness of emergency department based hypertension screening: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Hypertension is a highly prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and its early identification and management results in reductions in morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to: (1) determine the extent to which the emergency department (ED) has been used to screen patients for undiagnosed hypertension; (2) estimate the incidence of undiagnosed hypertension in the ED population; (3) identify and describe the programs for ED hypertension screening; and (4) determine the feasibility of ED-based hypertension screening programs and the requirements for further study.

DATA SOURCES

An online search of databases (i.e., OVID Search, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science), unpublished sources (i.e., ProQuest Dissertation & Theses and Papers First), and grey literature (i.e., OpenSIGLE and the New York Academy of Grey Literature) was conducted. A manual search of the reference lists of relevant studies was also completed.

CONCLUSION

Hypertension screening in the ED is feasible. Individuals with elevated blood pressure (BP) in the ED should be referred for follow-up. Further study is needed to develop an ED screening tool that is predictive of persistently elevated BP in undiagnosed individuals.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurse practitioners in the ED should identify patients with elevated BP, provide hypertension education, and ensure appropriate intervention and referral.

Severely elevated blood pressure: when is it an emergency?

High blood pressure is one of the most common chronic medical conditions in this country, occurring in about 1 of every 3 adults. It is not uncommon for nurses to see individuals in the emergency room, hospital, home, or other settings who have severely elevated blood pressure readings. Extremely elevated readings generally evoke considerable concern among healthcare staff. They are faced with deciding whether the individual requires immediate treatment and a higher level of care, such as transport to an emergency department. Severely elevated blood pressure can be a true medical emergency, may require urgent care, or may in fact be a nonemergency. The purpose of this article is to assist nurses in recognizing those situations in which severely elevated blood pressure requires immediate intervention. Current research and best evidence regarding severely elevated blood pressure are presented.

Diagnosis, treatment, and referral of hypertension or prehypertension in an emergency department after an educational program: preliminary results

The authors prospectively audited 602 randomly selected charts of patients seen in an academic emergency department (ED) for prevalence of hypertension and its management after an educational program (EP) because of results found in auditing 500 charts before the EP. Blood pressure was not measured in 11 of 500 patients (2.2%) before the EP and in 1 of 602 patients (0.2%) after the EP (P < .005). Hypertension was treated in the ED in 14 of 187 patients (8%) before the EP and in 29 of 282 patients (10%) after the EP (P = not significant). Of 187 patients with hypertension before the EP, 99 (53%) were referred to a physician or clinic for follow-up of hypertension, and 281 of 282 patients (99.6%) with hypertension were referred to a physician or clinic for follow-up of hypertension after the EP (P < .001). These data show that an EP administered to the staff of an academic ED significantly increased measurement of blood pressure in the ED, significantly increased obtaining a history of hypertension and of its treatment in ED patients, and significantly increased referral of patients with hypertension to a physician or clinic for follow-up of hypertension.

[High blood pressure in the emergency department: epidemiology and evaluation of a dedicated consultation]

OBJECTIVES

The Arterial High blood pressure represents a consultation on 5 in general medicine. The main objective of our study was to estimate patients' proportion appearing at emergency department (ED) with a high Blood pressure and to demonstrate that it is possible to detect the patients at risk of essential and secondary hypertension as well as their cardiovascular risk there.

METHODS

Non-interventional forward-looking Study led over 6 weeks. After measure of the vital parameters in the reception of ED, the patients were included if the Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) was ≥ 140 mmHg and\or Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg. A control of Blood Pressure (BP) was made at least 40 minutes after the inclusion. If the Arterial High blood pressure persisted (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg and age < 30 years or BP ≥ 180/110 mmHg after 30 years), the patients had to see again a cardiologist of the hospital in 7 days because they were considered as at high cardiovascular risk.

RESULTS

A high initial BP was discovered to 582 (8,7 %) 6685 patients having consulted in ED during the period of the study. 64 % of them (n = 372) had a persistent Arterial High Blood pressure after 40 minutes. 27 patients, defined at high cardiovascular risk had a proposition of consultation of cardiology, appeared 11 to it. 4 secondary hypertension was discovered.

CONCLUSION

During the period of study, 582 patients presented a High BP. To 64 % of those who had a control of BP this imbalance was confirmed. The patients (n=27) presenting a high cardiovascular risk had a proposition of fast consultation. This one allowed discovering 4 secondary hypertension. There is thus a utility to estimate the BP in a systematic way at Emergency Department.

Hypertension in the ED: a multifaceted intervention to change provider practice

This project measured the effect of a multifaceted intervention on health care provider identification and treatment of undiagnosed hypertensive patients. The intervention comprised provider education, audit, and feedback. The primary outcomes were pre-/postintervention differences in the proportion of patients presenting with elevated blood pressure who were (1) identified, (2) given blood pressure measurements, (3) counseled regarding behavior change, (4) prescribed medications, and (5) advised of the need for follow-up. These 5 behaviors were selected based on the recommendations in the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Rates of all 5 outcomes improved significantly after the intervention, with prevalence differences ranging from 5% to 25%. However, despite increases, rates for each behavior remained low. At no point during the study were all 5 practitioner behaviors documented for an individual patient. In conclusion, while an intervention composed of education and practitioner audit and feedback improved practitioner behaviors in treating patients with elevated blood pressure, additional interventions are needed to bring practitioner behaviors up to the level of JACHO standards.

Diagnosis, treatment, and referral of hypertension in an emergency department

The authors prospectively audited 500 randomly selected charts of patients seen during a 6-month period ending in October 2008, in the emergency department of a university medical center for the prevalence of hypertension and how it was managed. Of the 187 patients with hypertension, 14 (8%) were treated for hypertension in the emergency department and 99 (53%) were hospitalized or referred to a physician or clinic for follow-up of their hypertension. Much improvement is needed, especially since many of the patients seen in the emergency department do not have a primary care physician.