Hypertensive emergency
A hypertensive emergency is very high blood pressure that damages the body. It can cause damage to the brain, heart, eyes, or kidneys. A person's blood pressure may be 180/120 or higher.
A hypertensive emergency needs immediate care. Quick-acting medicines are used to lower blood pressure.
The cause may be unknown. Or the problem may be caused by medicine or another condition. Symptoms include headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, numbness, blurry vision, and confusion.
This problem is also called malignant hypertension.
Current as of: June 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
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Whelton PK, et al. (2017). Guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, published online November 13, 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.11.006. Accessed November 20, 2017.
