Browse categories and answer follow-up questions to refine your symptom profile.
Triage and immediate threats
Initial risk sort
Severe BP threshold
Systolic blood pressure 180 mmHg or higher
Diastolic blood pressure 120 mmHg or higher
Hypertensive urgency definition
Severe BP elevation
No acute target organ injury
Hypertensive emergency definition
Severe BP elevation
Acute target organ injury
Immediate escalation triggers
New focal neurologic deficit
Chest pain concerning for ACS or dissection
Acute dyspnea with hypoxemia
Pulmonary edema
Altered mental status
Seizure
Visual loss
Oliguria or anuria
Pregnancy with severe BP
Measurement confirmation
Technique checks
Correct cuff size
Seated rest 5 minutes
Arm at heart level
No talking during reading
Repeat and validate
Repeat after rest if initial severe reading
Manual measurement if automated questionable
Both arms if large discrepancy concern
Pseudohypertension considerations
Marked arterial stiffness in older adult
Very high cuff pressures with minimal symptoms
Early decisions
Emergency present
IV therapy pathway
ICU or monitored bed pathway
Urgency likely
Oral therapy or resume home regimen
Outpatient follow-up plan
White coat or pain anxiety contribution
Recheck after analgesia or anxiolysis if appropriate
Hemodynamic targets and tempo
BP reduction principles
Avoid rapid BP lowering in urgency
No immediate large drop targets
Cerebral and coronary hypoperfusion risk
Typical urgency target
Gradual reduction over 24 to 48 hours
When to avoid acute lowering
Chronic severe hypertension with preserved perfusion
Older adult with cerebrovascular disease history
Communication and coordination
Team and follow-up activation
Primary care linkage
Appointment within 1 to 7 days based on risk
Pharmacy and adherence supports
Refill barriers
Cost and access barriers
Secondary cause pathway if suggested
Targeted testing rather than broad panels
SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.