Hypertension

Hypertension — referral criteria for Cardiology services.

Full SRC reference

Eligibility

At least one must be met for the patient to be eligible for referral.

Clinically suspected or confirmed hypertension with initial primary-care work-up completed

Red flags

Indicate urgent (Category 1) referral or emergency assessment.

Hypertensive emergency (blood pressure greater than 220/140)

Severe hypertension with systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg with any of the following — headache

Severe hypertension with systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg with any of the following — confusion

Severe hypertension with systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg with any of the following — blurred vision

Severe hypertension with systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg with any of the following — retinal haemorrhage

Severe hypertension with systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg with any of the following — reduced level of consciousness

Severe hypertension with systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg with any of the following — seizure(s)

Severe hypertension with systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg with any of the following — proteinuria

Severe hypertension with systolic blood pressure greater than 180 mmHg with any of the following — papilloedema

A pregnant woman with pre-eclampsia with uncontrolled severe hypertension (i.e. diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mmHg or systolic blood pressure greater than 170 mmHg)

Routine referral criteria

Determine Category 2 or 3 urgency.

Severe persistent hypertension greater than 180/110

Refractory hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140/90) in patients — taking three or more antihypertensive medicines

Refractory hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140/90) in patients — unable to tolerate maximum treatment

Recommendation

Referral criteria not met

Patient does not meet Statewide Referral Criteria. Reassess if condition changes.

Edit with