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Hypertensive Crisis

A blood pressure rising above 180/120 mmHg signals a hypertensive crisis requiring emergency treatment.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Acil Servis department. Book Appointment →

What is Hypertensive Crisis?

Hypertensive crisis is a systolic blood pressure of more than 180 mmHg or a diastolic pressure of more than 120 mmHg. When accompanied by target-organ damage (brain, heart, kidney, eye) it is called a 'hypertensive emergency'; without organ damage it is called 'hypertensive urgency'.

In hypertensive emergency, IV antihypertensive treatment aims to lower blood pressure by 20-25% within the first hour. Lowering pressure too quickly can cause stroke or myocardial infarction.

Symptoms

Severe headache and neck stiffness
Blurred vision or visual loss
Chest pain and shortness of breath
Neurological signs (difficulty speaking, weakness)
Nausea and vomiting
Reduced urine output (renal involvement)

Risk Factors

Non-adherence to antihypertensive therapy
Secondary hypertension (renal artery stenosis)
Cocaine or amphetamine use
Phaeochromocytoma
Pre-eclampsia/eclampsia
Renovascular disease

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Call emergency services if blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mmHg with symptoms
  • Go to the emergency department for accompanying chest pain, neurological signs or vision loss
  • See a doctor on the same day for high blood pressure without symptoms
  • High blood pressure in pregnancy suggests pre-eclampsia and requires immediate assessment

Treatment Methods

01
Controlled lowering with IV nitroglycerine, labetalol or nicardipine in hypertensive emergency
02
Oral antihypertensives and close follow-up in hypertensive urgency
03
Additional treatment for organ damage (dialysis, cardiac support)
04
Improvement of treatment adherence and optimisation of the drug regimen
05
Cardiology or nephrology outpatient follow-up after discharge

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Acil Servis department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Acil Servis Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.