Managing asymptomatic high blood pressure at the hospital

Investigators discovered a framework to manage hospitalized patients with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure.

In a study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, the investigators examined the data from observational studies. The data revealed that intensive treatment of elevated blood pressure in patients without acute end-organ damage may result in complications, including acute kidney injury, myocardial injury and stroke. Further, treatment with antihypertensive medications at discharge among patients without cardiac issues may be associated with an increased risk of short-term adverse events but not improvement in long-term blood pressure control or cardiovascular outcomes.

The investigators introduced a novel approach to manage patients with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure in hospital settings. Among the steps were: assess patients for acute end-organ damage, ensure appropriate measurement techniques, identify and treat contributing factors, review medications potentially causing elevated blood pressure, consider patient-specific factors during the decision-making process for antihypertensive therapy and develop a transitional care plan.

The investigators hope their findings can challenge the current practices with a more cautious approach to managing hospitalized patients with asymptomatic elevated blood pressure.

Read more: JAMA Internal Medicine

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