What qualifies as a hypertensive emergency?

A hypertensive emergency is characterized by a significantly elevated blood pressure paired with signs of end-organ damage. The correct scenario is when a blood pressure reading reaches 180/110 mmHg and there are associated symptoms indicating potential damage to organs such as the heart, kidneys, or brain. End-organ damage can manifest as chest pain, shortness of breath, altered mental status, or other clinical signs, indicating that high blood pressure is causing immediate harm.

The other scenarios do not qualify as hypertensive emergencies. A blood pressure above 120/80 without any symptoms does not indicate any risk and generally is not considered a medical emergency. A sudden increase in heart rate may accompany stress or other issues but does not directly relate to hypertensive emergencies. A gradual increase in blood pressure over weeks suggests chronic hypertension rather than an urgent situation requiring immediate intervention. Thus, the presence of both high blood pressure and evidence of organ damage is essential in defining a hypertensive emergency.