High blood pressure: when is it an emergency?
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms 1, and measuring is the only way to know you have it 2. A reading higher than 180/120 is a hypertensive crisis 3. What to do next depends on whether you have symptoms.
Go to the ER or call 911 if
- Your reading is higher than 180/120 and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, a change in vision, or trouble speaking: call 911, and don’t wait to see if it comes down 3
- Stroke signs, such as face drooping, arm weakness or speech trouble: call 911 4
If your reading is higher than 180/120 without those symptoms, wait at least 1 minute and check it again 3. If it’s still that high, contact your health care professional as soon as possible; this usually doesn’t need a hospital stay 3. If you’re pregnant, contact your care team right away.
If you’re not sure, go to the ER. Find the nearest ER.
When urgent care can help
We didn’t find a neutral source on what urgent care does for high blood pressure. For a high reading without symptoms, the American Heart Association says to contact your health care professional 3; if you can’t reach yours, an urgent care clinic can check you. For symptoms, call 911.
Find urgent care near you, with hours and phone numbers. Not sure what it costs? See ER vs urgent care cost.
Blood pressure numbers
The American Heart Association’s categories 2:
- Normal: under 120 and under 80
- Elevated: 120–129 and under 80
- Stage 1 high blood pressure: 130–139 or 80–89
- Stage 2 high blood pressure: 140 or higher, or 90 or higher
- Severe: higher than 180 and/or higher than 120
Ongoing blood pressure care online
For day-to-day care, like going over home readings or medicine, an online visit is one option. If a reading is higher than 180/120, follow the steps above first. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue. More on High blood pressure online.
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High blood pressure: when is it an emergency, answered.
General information, not medical advice or a diagnosis.
What blood pressure is an emergency?
What should I do if my blood pressure is over 180/120 with no symptoms?
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Sources
- CDC: About high blood pressure (reviewed Oct. 13, 2026)
- American Heart Association: Understanding blood pressure readings (reviewed Aug. 14, 2025)
- American Heart Association: When to call 911 about high blood pressure (reviewed Aug. 14, 2025)
- CDC: Signs and symptoms of stroke (May 19, 2026)
Last updated November 15, 2026. General information from the sources above, not medical advice or a diagnosis, and not a substitute for being seen. If you’re not sure whether something is an emergency, go to the ER or call 911.
This is not for emergencies.
For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.