Primary Causes of Hypertensive Crisis

Hypertensive crisis, especially in children, is a rare condition and is defined as a sudden and abrupt elevation in blood pressure that poses a threat of rapid onset of end-organ damage. Symptomatic hypertension requires urgent and thorough evaluation and management. In most patients with hypertensive crisis, a specific cause can be found with targeted investigation. History and physical examination will guide the assessment for cause and urgency of management. This article discusses common and rare causes of severe hypertension in infancy, childhood, and adulthood. Clinical features that indicate possible serious underlying disease associated with severe and symptomatic hypertension are outlined.