Hypertension means elevated Blood Pressure.
Blood Pressure classification | Systolic blood pressure mm Hg (upper reading) | Diastolic blood pressure mm Hg (lower reading) | |
Normal | Less than 120 | And | Less than 80 |
Pre-hypertension | 120-139 | Or | 80-89 |
Stage 1 Hypertension | 140-159 | Or | 90-99 |
Stage 2 Hypertension | 160 or higher | Or | 100 or higher |
Hypertensive urgency (if no headache or other symptoms)- needs urgent physician visit. | Higher than 180 | Or | Higher than 110 |
Malignant Hypertension (severe hypertension with retinal hemorrhages, vomiting, headache, double vision, blurring of vision or neurological symptoms)– needs immediate emergency care. | Higher than 180 | Or | Usually higher than 120 but can occur in diastolic blood pressure of 100 |
Risk factors for developing Hypertension:
Modifiable risk factors | Non-modifiable risk factors |
Overweight or Obesity | Age |
Smoking | Race |
High sodium or salt intake | Family history |
Alcohol intake | Gender |
Lack of physical activity | Prehypertension or gestational hypertension |
Stress | |
Certain medications-always ask your Doctor |
Complications of “uncontrolled” Hypertension:
JNC 8 guidelines for treating Hypertension: