OVERVIEW
- Elevated blood pressure in the poisoned patient may or may not be the result of exposure to any toxicant. Other causes of elevated blood pressure may include benzodiazepine or ethanol withdrawal; the sudden discontinuation of a
prescribed medication, such as clonidine, causing rebound hypertension; and inadequately treated underlying hypertension.
Of interest toxicologically, is overstimulation by sympathomimetics such as amphetamines and cocaine which causes excessive secretion of catecholamines. Other sympathomimetics include LSD or Ecstasy as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
• A hypertensive crisis is considered to be any increase of BP generally above 180/120 mmHg.
• Hypertensive emergencies . . .Please Subscribe to continue reading
