A hypertensive emergency is very high blood pressure that damages the body. It can cause damage to the brain, heart, eyes, or kidneys

A hypertensive emergency needs immediate care. Quick-acting medicines are used to lower blood pressure.

The cause may be unknown. Or the problem may be caused by medicine or another condition. Symptoms include numbness, blurry vision, chest pain, and confusion.

This problem is also called malignant hypertension.