ACCELERATED HYPERTENSION - A severe form of acute hypertension that results in the abrupt rise in the blood pressure (diastolic pressure often over 120 mmHg). If left untreated, malignant hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eye, kidneys, brain, and heart. Complications include stroke, heart attack, blindness, and renal failure. Symptoms include headache, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. Neurologic symptoms are also a common finding. Malignant hypertension occurs more commonly in males, African Americans, and those with a history for hypertension.