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Clinical Disorders: Therapeutic Classes: Mechanism Classes:
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Systemic Hypertension cont.
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THIS PAGE: Hypertension Categories
Hypertension Categories
According to the latest U.S. national guidelines (JNC 7 Report), the following categories of hypertension have been defined:
| Classification |
Systolic (mmHg) |
Diastolic (mmHg) |
| Normal* | <120 | <80 |
| Prehypertension | 120-139 | 80-89 |
| Stage 1 | 140-159 | 90-99 |
| Stage 2 | >160 | >100 |
*Arterial pressures less than 90/60 mmHg are considered hypotension, and therefore not normal.
It is important to note that a hypertensive state may defined as an abnormal elevation of either systolic or diastolic pressure. In past years, the diastolic value was emphasized in determining whether or not a person was hypertensive. However, elevations in systolic pressure ("systolic hypertension") are also associated with increased incidence of coronary and cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke). Therefore, we now recognize that both systolic and diastolic pressure values are important to note.
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Causes of Hypertension
Revised 03/14/07