Changes in Blood Pressure Classification
Blood pressure categories in the new guidelines are:
- Normal: <120/80 mmHg;
- Elevated: Systolic between 120 and 129 and diastolic <80;
- Stage 1: Systolic between 130 and 139 or diastolic between 80 and 89;
- Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mmHg;
- Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120, with patients needing prompt changes in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage.
The guidelines eliminate the category of prehypertension, categorizing patients as having either Elevated (120-129 and <80) or Stage 1 hypertension (130-139 or 80-89). Although previous guidelines classified 140/90 mmHg as Stage 1 hypertension, this level is classified as Stage 2 hypertension under the new guidelines. In addition, the guidelines stress the importance of using proper technique to measure blood pressure; recommend use of home blood pressure monitoring using validated devices; and highlight the value of appropriate training of health care providers to reveal "white-coat hypertension." |
Reprinted with permission from