ABSTRACT
Hypertension is one o f the most common conditions affecting patients in devel oped countries. As the population ages and the emergency department continues to serve populations without access to appropriate primary care, issues regarding hy pertension will become more important. Emergency Physicians must be comfort able in evaluating and treating patients with conditions associated with an acute rise in blood pressure, conditions secondary to long-standing hypertension, as well as with the complications o f medications used to control hypertension.