Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-12 | Issue-03 | 148-153
Original Research Article
Management of Hypertensive Crisis in the Emergency Department versus Primary Care Settings: A Comparative Study
Tasnim Nabil Hassan Abdelrahman, Nigar Vidadi Chirkez Shirinova
Published : March 24, 2026
Abstract
Background: Hypertensive crisis is a continuum of elevated blood pressure that may cause acute target-organ damage and represents life-threatening complications if not treated and controlled urgently. Although the emergency department (ED) setting has historically been advocated as the appropriate environment for acute blood pressure control, the importance of enhanced primary care in responding to some high-risk vascular presentations is increasingly emphasized in modern healthcare systems. Comparative “Real-world” data on outcomes in the management of HC by ED and primary care (PC) perspectives regarding treatment of patients presenting with HC in the Middle Eastern health system is scarce. Objective: To compare clinical management, time to blood pressure control, complication rates and outcome of hypertensive crisis between emergency department (ED) and primary care setting in Qatar. Methods: A parallel observational study was done in 75 adult patients diagnosed with hypertensive crisis from January to November 2025. Patients were treated in ED (n = 45) or primary health care (n = 30). Demographics, comorbidities, treatment approaches, time to response and outcomes were described and compared by statistical methods using test of significance (p < 0.05). Results: In ED patients who were managed with IV antihypertensive treatment, blood pressure reduction was significantly faster, intravenous antihypertensive use was significantly greater, and early complication rates were significantly lower. The majority of cases of hypertensive urgency were effectively controlled with oral pharmacracy and outpatient follow-up at primary care centers. Blood pressure was controlled in total in 66.7%, partially in 25.3% and was uncontrolled with continued medication in 8.0%. Conclusion: Emergency departments are essential for hypertensive emergencies, but appropriately resourced primary care facilities can safely and effectively treat hypertensive urgency, preserving healthcare resources and mitigating inappropriate hospital use.