P047: Prevalence and severity of hypertension presenting to Calgary area emergency departments

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is common and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Because it is asymptomatic, its diagnosis is often delayed. For many Canadians the Emergency Department (ED) is the only point of entry to the health care system, and therefore the recognition of undiagnosed and untreated hypertension in the ED is increasingly important. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence and severity of hypertension in patients presenting to Calgary area EDs, as well as to determine whether medical therapy was initiated and if patients had primary care providers for follow-up. Methods: Multi-centre electronic medical record (EMR) review of all adult patients presenting to Calgary area EDs from January 1, 2016 to December 31st, 2016. Hypertension was coded electronically by triage nurses and defined as systolic blood pressure SBP 140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure DBP 90 mmHg. Hypertensive urgency was defined as SBP 180 mmHg and/or DBP 120 mmHg. Descriptive data was used to show patient demographics and hypertension prevalence. Primary care provider status, previous diagnosis of hypertension, chief complaint, and ED diagnoses were extracted and the EMRs were manually searched to determine whether treatment was initiated in the ED. Results: Of 304392 patients presenting to all Calgary sites, 43055 (14%) were found to have hypertension; mean age 52 (range 18 to 104), female 42%. Of these, 32986 (77%) had no known previous hypertension and 31% lacked a primary care provider. 0.2% had documentation of treatment initiated in the ED. 16% met criteria for hypertensive urgency. Conclusion: Many patients presenting to the ED have hypertension, often previously undiagnosed and at times severe. Many lack access to primary care. EDs may play an important role in the early recognition of hypertension. Dedicated management and follow-up pathways are indicated for this high-risk population.