Definition of a Hypertensive Emergency

A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood pressure becomes dangerously high, resulting in organ damage.

Definition

• According to the Cleveland Clinic, hypertensive emergency is defined as having a blood pressure greater than 220/140 mm Hg (special measurements for the blood). As the blood pressure rises, blood flow throughout the body decreases and organs do not receive enough blood flow, resulting in damage.

Symptoms

• Some common symptoms accompanying a very high blood pressure (hypertensive emergency) include headache, confusion and hemorrhages (bleeding) in the eye. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have these symptoms.

Treatment

• According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatments for hypertensive emergencies aim to lower the blood pressure to normal levels. One medication that does this is a vasodilator (drug that widens blood vessels so more blood flows to the organs).

Complications

• If a hypertensive emergency is left untreated, brain swelling or bleeding, pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), a heart attack, and stroke can result, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Precaution

• If you suffer from high blood pressure, check your blood pressure often and see your doctor regularly.