What is the main difference between hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency?

The main difference between hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency lies in the presence of end-organ damage. In a hypertensive emergency, patients experience severely elevated blood pressure along with acute end-organ injury, which can manifest as conditions such as acute kidney injury, stroke, or myocardial infarction. This end-organ damage requires immediate and effective treatment to prevent significant morbidity or mortality.

On the other hand, hypertensive urgency is characterized by elevated blood pressure without the evidence of acute end-organ damage. While the blood pressure is high and may warrant treatment to prevent future complications, the lack of acute injury means there is not the same immediate risk of harm that defines an emergency. This distinction is crucial in guiding the urgency and type of intervention needed for the patient.

Understanding this difference helps clinicians prioritize treatment decisions and manage patients effectively based on their clinical presentation.