Adult Patients in the Emergency Department With Asymptomatic Elevated Blood Pressure

In ED patients with asymptomatic markedly elevated blood pressure, routine screening for acute target organ injury (eg, serum creatinine, urinalysis, ECG) is not required. (C)

In select patient populations (eg, poor follow-up), screening for an elevated serum creatinine level may identify kidney injury that affects disposition (eg, hospital admission). (C)

In patients with asymptomatic markedly elevated blood pressure, routine ED medical intervention is not required. (C)

In select patient populations (eg, poor follow-up), emergency physicians may treat markedly elevated blood pressure in the ED and/or initiate therapy for long-term control. (C)

Patients with asymptomatic markedly elevated blood pressure should be referred for outpatient follow-up. (C)