20th June 2026

Risk factors 

Hypertensive emergency occurs largely due to undiagnosed as well as poorly controlled essential hypertension. It may also be due to secondary hypertension caused by a systemic condition such as phaeochromocytoma or hyperaldosteronism.

Poor lifestyle choices such as increased salt intake and obesity, as well as certain medications such as steroids, sympathomimetics and NSAIDs, may also predispose a hypertensive emergency.