Hypertensive Emergency Symptoms

A hypertensive emergency occurs when blood pressure elevates to such a high level that it could damage the body's organs. Symptoms of a hypertensive emergency include headache, seizure, chest pain, difficulty breathing and swelling. People suffering from a hypertensive emergency need to be taken to a hospital as quickly as possible to minimize damage to the organs.

Headache

• A spike in blood pressure can cause the brain to swell, which can cause headaches. Occasionally, headaches caused by a sudden increase in blood pressure can become severe enough to cause nausea, vomiting, and vision problems. Severe swelling can cause bleeding in the brain, a stroke, or an aneurysm.

Seizure

• A sudden increase in blood pressure can cause the brain to swell quickly. If swelling is severe enough, it can cause swelling in the brain, causing a rush of activity in the brain that can trigger a seizure.

Chest Pain

• An increase in blood pressure can cause chest pain as the blood pumps too quickly through the heart. Pain is usually localized in the left side of the chest, and may radiate through the left shoulder. If blood pressure becomes extremely high, heart attack or heart failure can occur.

Difficulty Breathing

• Difficulty breathing is a common symptom of a hypertensive emergency, as the heart begins pumping a large amount of blood very quickly through the system. The lungs struggle to take in enough oxygen to oxygenate the blood fast enough, making it difficult to breathe.

Swelling

• As blood pressure rises, blood may accumulate in certain areas of the body and cause swelling. This is most common in the lower body, as the lower body is furthest from the heart and doesn't have blood pumping as quickly through the veins to clear any buildups.