[Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies].

Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies are common situations in clinical practice. Hypertensive urgencies are characterized by acute elevation of blood pressure without target organ damage. Hypertensive emergencies are life-threatening situations characterized by acute elevation of blood pressure and target organ damage. The aims of blood pressure control, antihypertensive drugs to use and route of administration will depend on the presence or absence of target organ damage and individual patient characteristics. The correct diagnosis and treatment of these situations are essential for patient prognosis. © 2017 SEHLELHA. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.