Can very high blood pressure result in an emergency?
Large rapid increases in blood pressure can be life threatening and can cause serious problems. Patients with rapid blood pressure rises should seek immediate treatment in emergency rooms to control blood pressure. A rapid large increase in blood pressure is a condition called “malignant hypertension.” Malignant hypertension can be life threatening and can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys, heart, brain and to other body organs. Patients who suspect a rapid increase in blood pressure should proceed immediately to the emergency room and call an ambulance if necessary.
