Signs and symptoms of an urgent hypertensive crisis may include:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Severe headache
- Severe anxiety
- Shortness of breath
During an emergency hypertensive crisis, you may experience life-threatening signs and symptoms, such as:
- Fluid in your lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Brain swelling or bleeding
- A tear in your aorta (aortic dissection)
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Eclampsia, if you are pregnant.
If you experience a severe increase in your blood pressure (above 180/110 mm Hg), seek immediate medical attention. Treatment for hypertensive crisis may include oral medications, intravenous medications and hospitalization.
