Table 2 Principal causes of acute systemic arterial hypertension in critically ill patients
From: Control of hypertension in the critically ill: a pathophysiological approach
Organ system | Cause |
|---|---|
Decompensated essential (primary) hypertension Secondary causes | Discontinuation of antihypertensive drugs |
Central Nervous System | Pain |
| Â | Anxiety and stress |
| Â | Delirium |
| Â | Withdrawal syndromes |
| Â | Intracranial hypertension |
Renal system | Urinary retention |
| Â | Renal failure |
| Â | Hypervolemia |
Respiratory system | Respiratory distress – Hypoxemia, hypercapnia |
Metabolic | Hypoglycemia |
| Â | Steroid administration |
| Â | Pheochromocytoma |
| Â | Cushing syndrome |
| Â | Intoxication, substance abuse and overdose (cocaine, phencyclidine, amphetamines) |