A patient presents with a hypertensive crisis. Which life-threatening complication is most directly associated?

A hypertensive crisis (BP >180/120 mmHg) can lead to cerebral aneurysm rupture, hemorrhagic stroke, hypertensive encephalopathy, acute MI, aortic dissection, or acute kidney injury. The sudden surge in intracranial pressure and vessel wall stress is the mechanism for aneurysm rupture. Vasovagal syncope is caused by a paradoxical reflex drop in heart rate/BP — the opposite of hypertensive crisis.