Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. A hypertensive emergency is very high blood pressure that damages the body. A person's blood pressure may be 180/120 or higher.footnote 1 It can cause damage to the brain, heart, eyes, or kidneys. A hypertensive emergency needs immediate care. The symptoms of a hypertensive emergency include headache, chest pain, trouble breathing, numbness, blurry vision, and confusion. A hypertensive emergency can be caused by many things. These include other health problems, certain medicines, and not taking blood pressure medicines correctly. Another cause of a hypertensive emergency is illegal drug use, such as stimulants like cocaine. A hypertensive emergency can cause: To treat a hypertensive emergency, doctors and nurses will carefully monitor your blood pressure and give you medicine intravenously (through a needle inserted in one of your veins). The immediate goal is to lower your blood pressure enough so that your organs are no longer in immediate danger. But it must be lowered slowly so that your body has enough time to adjust to the change in blood pressure. If blood pressure is lowered too quickly, your body may have a hard time getting blood to your brain. The other goal of treatment is to treat organ complications. For example, your doctor may give you a diuretic if you have fluid buildup in your lungs. Or your doctor may give a beta-blocker and nitrates if you have myocardial ischemia (not enough blood is reaching your heart). After your doctor has lowered your blood pressure to a safe level and treated your complications, he or she will try to identify the cause of the acute episode. Your doctor will then work with you to create a treatment regimen that can help prevent future attacks. Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. This may mean having symptoms that suggest that your blood pressure is causing a serious heart or blood vessel problem. Your blood pressure may be over 180/120. For example, call 911 if: Do not wait until your blood pressure comes down on its own. Get help right away. Call your doctor now or seek immediate care if: Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if: Current as of: June 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Next Section: Previous Section: Current as of: June 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Topic Contents
Hypertensive Emergency
Overview
What is a hypertensive emergency?
What are the symptoms?
What causes it?
What other health problems can happen when you have a
hypertensive emergency?
How is it treated?
When to call a doctor
Related Information
References
Citations
Credits
Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: June 25, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board: All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.Hypertensive Emergency