Vnitr Lek 2024, 70(3):181-186 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2024.036

Treatment of asymptomatic hypertension during hospitalization - less is often much more

Tomáš Zelinka

Centrum pro hypertenzi

III. interní klinika - klinika endokrinologie a metabolismu 1. lékařské fakulty a Všeobecné fakultní nemocnice, Praha

Although they are no doubts that treatment of chronic hypertension reduces cardiovascular risk, little is known how to deal with acute elevations of blood pressure (BP) values among asymptomatic subjects during hospitalization. In-hospital BP pressure elevations are relatively frequent and may not correspond with poorly controlled chronic hypertension. Conditions for BP measurement during hospitalization significantly differ from those recommended for outpatient settings. Recent published observational studies showed that active approach for asymptomatic BP elevations was associated with worse outcome compared to the conservative approach. It increased the risk in-hospital and early post-discharge BP-related complications. Acute asymptomatic BP elevations usually do not require antihypertensive treatment and may be managed conservatively. After discharge, these patients should be followed very closely if these BP elevations were transient or permanent.

Keywords: blood pressure measurement, hypertension, hypotension, morbidity.

Accepted: April 26, 2024; Published: May 6, 2024  Show citation