If your blood pressure spikes dangerously high, it is a medical emergency.

This article will explore how high is too high when it comes to blood pressure.

If you fail to control it, your rising blood pressure can reach dangerous levels.

A person has their blood pressure checked by two healthcare providers in an emergency room bed

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This can also happen suddenly with certain health events, such as a stroke.

Call 911 immediately or head to your nearest emergency department.

Time Matters

Treating excessively high blood pressureis a time-sensitive problem.

You may receive ahigh blood pressure diagnosisin different categories.

After a Hypertension Episode: Ongoing Management

Treating a hypertensive emergency doesn’t stop with one medication.

You’ll also get information on when to call your healthcare provider in the future.

Blood pressure that is routinely elevated requiresstanding medication.

Blood pressure that is intermittently high may need medications on an as-needed basis.

Some conditions, like a stroke, may also be treated with something called permissive hypertension.

If you are having symptoms like light-headedness or chest pain, immediate treatment is necessary.

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De Georgia M, et al.Blood pressure management in ischemic stroke patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.Neurol.