A sudden and sometimes fatal rise in blood pressure; may occur as a result of combining monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIS) with food containing high amounts of trymine (e.g., certain cheeses, fava beans, red wine) or with other sympathomimetic substances (e.g., cough remedies, nose drops).
Any severe elevation in blood pressure (usually a diastolic pressure greater than 130 mm Hg) with or without damage to internal organs or other structures (e.g., brain, heart, aorta, kidneys). In hypertensive emergencies, end organs are damaged, and antihypertensive drugs usually are given intravenously to try to lower the blood pressure within an hour. Agents used in hypertensive emergencies include sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, labetalol, and enalaprilat.