Stage 1 hypertension is defined by which blood pressure range?

• A. 120-129/70-79
• B. 130-139/80-89
• C. 140-159/90-99
• D. +160/+100

Answer: (B)

Classification of blood pressure under the current guidelines uses stage ranges to guide risk assessment and treatment. Stage 1 hypertension is defined as a systolic pressure of 130–139 or a diastolic pressure of 80–89. This places it above normal and elevated ranges but below Stage 2, which is 140–159 or 90–99, with 160/100 or higher considered more severe. The reason this range is used for Stage 1 is that even these modest elevations in blood pressure are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and management often focuses on lifestyle modification with consideration of medications based on overall ASCVD risk. The other ranges describe elevated (120–129 or <80), Stage 2 (140–159 or 90–99), or higher blood pressures, not Stage 1.