According to the 2017 ACC/AHA blood pressure categories, a 40-year-old man whose average seated clinic BP on repeat measurement is 134/82 mmHg falls into which category?

• A Normal
• B Stage 1 hypertension ✓
• C Elevated blood pressure
• D Stage 2 hypertension

Explanation

The 2017 ACC/AHA guideline defines stage 1 hypertension as systolic 130 to 139 mmHg or diastolic 80 to 89 mmHg. Normal is below 120/80, elevated is 120 to 129 systolic with diastolic below 80, and stage 2 begins at 140/90 mmHg. A reading of 134/82 satisfies stage 1 criteria on both components. Note that older JNC 7 terminology labeled these values prehypertension, a category no longer used.

Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.