A person with malignant hypertension has dangerously elevated blood pressure, which has caused damage the blood vessels in the brain, eyes, heart and kidneys.

In malignant hypertension, the systolic blood pressure (top number) is usually over 220 or the diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) is over 115. Malignant hypertension requires immediate treatment, in order to stop ongoing damage to the brain, heart, kidneys or eyes.