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 180/110 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
Clinical Review Board
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Rabi DM, et al. (2020). Hypertension Canada's 2020 comprehensive guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment of hypertension in adults and children. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 36(5): 596–624. DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2020.02.086. Accessed August 02, 2021.
