While 180 over 140 is not something you'd want to cary for any time, I don't think its classified as malignant hypertension. If the bottom number gets over 165 or so, I think it starts weaking blood vessels permanently. Not splitting hairs, but people with hypertension sometimes get close to 140, and while they should get to a doctor, they shouldn't panic. Above 155 (diastolic) or so, 911 is probably a good idea.
After checking, diastolic >140 is considered malignant hypertension with other symptoms (trouble urinating, vision problems, headache etc.)
Anyway, I had a brother die from that. His pressure went up to 280 over 168. It weakened the vessels in his brain, and within a month he had a massive brain bleed.
I see death as a process for most people. After enough close people go, you really accept your own mortality and accept it as a natural part of life. You also realize, while many of life's milestones seemed terrifiying from a distance, they weren't so bad (well nothing you couldn't handle) up close. I suspect death is no different. I hope not
