Initial Investigations

Initial investigations for potential hypertensive emergencies can be organised rapidly within the emergency department.

These investigations will supplement clinical assessment in evaluating end organ dysfunction and hence define whether the presentation is a true hypertensive emergency.

Some studies will be determined by the type of presentation (e.g. CT mediastinum if aortic dissection is suspected or CT head if encephalopathy is present).

However, many initial investigations will be common to any hypertensive emergency (e.g. renal function, ECG).