Case of the Month #20 - hypertension

Published 01/02/2022

How is malignant or accelerated hypertension defined?

  • ESC definition: Severe hypertension (grade 3 e.g. SBP ≥180 and/or DBP ≥110mmHg) with acute hypertension mediated organ damage1.
  • NICE definition: Accelerated hypertension is a severe increase in BP to 180/120mmHg or higher (Stage 3) with signs of retinal haemorrhage or papilloedema. It is usually associated with new or progressive target organ damage and is also known as malignant hypertension.