Malignant essential hypertension

This code signifies a severe and rapidly progressing form of high blood pressure that causes acute damage to organs such as the kidneys, eyes, and brain. It is characterized by extremely elevated blood pressure readings, often with associated papilledema, renal failure, or hypertensive encephalopathy.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "malignant hypertension" or describes a hypertensive crisis with evidence of acute end-organ damage. Supporting documentation should include blood pressure readings (e.g., diastolic >120 mmHg), and findings of target organ involvement.

• Do not use this code for benign or unspecified essential hypertension.
• Always sequence this code first when it is the primary reason for the encounter.
• Ensure documentation clearly differentiates malignant hypertension from hypertensive urgency or emergency without acute end-organ damage.