What is the systolic blood pressure threshold that defines a hypertensive emergency?

A systolic blood pressure of 180 mmHg is commonly recognized as a threshold for hypertensive urgency rather than a hypertensive emergency. Hypertensive emergencies are generally defined as conditions where blood pressure is significantly elevated (usually defined as systolic blood pressure above 180 mmHg) accompanied by evidence of acute end-organ damage. In this context, a systolic blood pressure threshold of 220 mmHg is critical because it indicates a severe elevation that can lead to acute complications such as stroke or myocardial infarction. Thus, recognizing the significance of this higher threshold helps in appropriately distinguishing between the seriousness of hypertensive episodes and in guiding urgent care protocols.