Hypertensive emergencies

The patient should return for a follow-up visit and blood pressure (BP) check within 1 week of discharge. During the follow-up visit, BP should be checked by a medical professional in both arms and with the appropriate cuff size. The target BP should be below 130/80 mmHg. Regular and frequent follow-up (monthly) is recommended until target BP and ideally regression of hypertension-mediated organ damage has been achieved.[54]Unger T, Borghi C, Charchar F, et al. 2020 International Society of Hypertension Global Hypertension practice guidelines. Hypertension. 2020 Jun;75(6):1334-57. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.120.15026 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32370572?tool=bestpractice.com ​ Patients should return for follow-up visits once a month, or more frequently, until the target BP is achieved. Once the target BP is achieved, the patient should be monitored every 3 to 6 months (or more frequently based on comorbidities). Serum potassium and creatinine should be measured twice a year. For patients with pre-eclampsia, see Pre-eclampsia (Monitoring).