Hypertension Crisis - Is Hypertension Crisis? Hypertensive crisis is a severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to stroke. Very high blood pressure - systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 180 mmHg or higher and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 120 mmHg or higher - can cause damage to blood vessels. Inflammation of the blood vessels and may leak fluid or blood. As a result, the heart can not pump blood effectively.
Hypertensive crisis is divided into two categories: urgency and emergency.
Urgency hypertensive crisis is when your blood pressure is very high, but doctors do not suspect you have signs of damage to your organs.
Signs and symptoms of urgency hypertensive crises may include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Severe headache
- Severe anxiety
- Shortness of breath
Emergency hypertensive crisis is when your blood pressure is very high, and has caused damage to your organs.
Emergency hypertensive crisis can have life-threatening complications, such as:
- Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Swelling of the brain or brain hemorrhage
- Tear in the main artery of the heart (aortic dissection)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- High blood pressure with seizures (eclampsia), if you are pregnant
If you are experiencing a severe increase in blood pressure, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment for a hypertensive crisis can include hospitalization for treatment with oral medications or intravenous (IV)