Hypertensive Emergencies By George L Bakris, MD, University of Chicago School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Nov 2022 View Patient Education Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Key Points More Information Topic Resources Mean Vascular Pressure (systemic... Parenteral Drugs for Hypertensive... A hypertensive emergency is severe hypertension with signs of damage to target organs (primarily the brain, cardiovascular system, and kidneys).