Results from the recent SPRINT trial, and the subsequent publication of the American Heart Association updated guidelines for the treatment of HTN, significantly lower both the diagnostic threshold and the treatment goals for hypertensive patients. This change will drastically increase the proportion of patients presenting to EDs with newly diagnosed and uncontrolled HTN. Several recent studies emphasize the safety in outpatient management of patients with severely elevated BP in the absence of acute end-organ damage and, conversely, the long- and intermediate-term risk associated with these patients. System-based approaches, particularly those led by non-physicians, have shown the greatest promise in reducing population level uncontrolled HTN. Evidence-based approaches, such as those described in emergency medicine and cardiology society guidelines, can guide appropriate management of ED and inpatient BP elevations. Translating these patient oriented guidelines into institutional policy, and maintaining provider adherence, is a challenge across healthcare institutions. We present here several examples of successful policies developed and implemented by the authors. While brief inpatient and ED encounters cannot replace long-term outpatient care, they have the potential to serve as a crucial inlet to health care and an opportunity to optimize care.

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