For clinical reference only — does not replace local trust guidelines or clinical judgement.
Vital Signs

Hypertension

Hypertension

Severity
BP
  • Stage 1
    140–160 / 90–100
  • Stage 2
    160–180 / 100–110
  • Hypertensive emergency
    > 180 / 120 with end-organ damage
🚨 Life-Threatening — exclude first
If suspected, escalate now.
Hypertensive encephalopathy
Aortic dissection
Acute pulmonary oedema
Intracerebral haemorrhage
Pre-eclampsia / eclampsia
🚨

Hypertensive emergency Causes

Aortic dissectionAcute pulmonary oedemaHypertensive encephalopathyStroke / ICHPre-eclampsia / eclampsia
💊

Common reversible Causes

Pain / anxietyMissed antihypertensive doseUrinary retentionStimulants (cocaine, amphetamines)
🧬

Secondary Causes

Renal artery stenosisPhaeochromocytomaCushing'sConn'sOSA