At what blood pressure level is a hypertensive emergency identified?

A hypertensive emergency is characterized by severely elevated blood pressure, typically defined as systolic blood pressure exceeding 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure exceeding 120 mmHg, alongside evidence of acute end-organ damage. The blood pressure level of 220/110 fits this definition, indicating a critical situation where the body may be at risk for complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, or renal failure.

In contrast, other options present blood pressure readings that, while high, do not meet the threshold for a hypertensive emergency. For instance, 180/110 indeed indicates a severe elevation but may not be accompanied by acute organ damage at all times, thus it may fall under a hypertensive urgency instead. Meanwhile, 160/100 and 200/90, while concerning, do not reach the threshold that typically associates with acute complications that warrant immediate medical intervention. Therefore, the level of 220/110 is the most indicative of a hypertensive emergency that necessitates prompt treatment to prevent serious health risks.