A hypertensive crisis is a severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. Extremely high blood pressure — greater than 180/110 millimeters of mercury — damages blood vessels. Blood vessels become inflamed and may leak fluid or blood. As a result, the heart may not be able to pump blood efficiently. Both types of hypertensive crisis — emergency and urgent — require immediate medical attention.
An emergency crisis occurs with elevated blood pressure accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:
- Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Brain swelling (edema) or bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Separation of the walls of the aorta (aortic dissection)
- Heart attack
- Eclampsia in pregnant women
An emergency crisis requires immediate hospitalization in an intensive care unit. Treatment is with immediately acting medications given by injection.
An urgent crisis occurs with elevated blood pressure accompanied by signs and symptoms such as:
- Severe headache
- Severe anxiety
- Shortness of breath
An urgent crisis requires immediate treatment with oral medications and close follow-up by your doctor. Hospitalization usually isn't needed.
