What blood pressure reading indicates a hypertensive urgency?

• A. 160/100
• B. 180/110
• C. 200/120
• D. 220/130

Answer: (B)

A blood pressure reading indicating a hypertensive urgency is typically defined as a systolic reading of 180 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic reading of 110 mm Hg or higher, without immediately life-threatening organ damage. Among the options provided, the reading of 180/110 meets this criterion.

In hypertensive urgency, the blood pressure elevation is significant enough to pose a risk for complications but does not involve acute end-organ dysfunction. Therefore, while a reading of 160/100 is concerning, it does not reach the thresholds indicating urgency. Similarly, the readings of 200/120 and 220/130 would suggest hypertensive emergency, where immediate treatment is required to prevent organ damage, but they exceed the threshold for urgency. Thus, 180/110 is the precise reading demonstrating a hypertensive urgency scenario where close monitoring and gradual reduction of blood pressure is indicated.