Stage 2 hypertension is defined as which of the following?

Stage 2 hypertension is defined as which of the following?

• A. Systolic <120 and diastolic <80
• B. Systolic 120-139 and diastolic 80-89
• C. Systolic 140-159 and diastolic 90-99
• D. Systolic 160 or higher and diastolic 110 or higher

Answer: (D)

High blood pressure categories are about risk level. Stage 2 signals a more dangerous elevation than Stage 1, indicating a higher chance of complications and a need for closer medical management. In this item's framework, Stage 2 is defined by a systolic reading of 160 or higher and a diastolic reading of 110 or higher, which identifies a markedly elevated pressure on both measures. Readings that fall into normal, elevated, or Stage 1 ranges do not meet that higher threshold, whereas very extreme values (well above 180/120) would raise additional concern for urgent evaluation. So the combination of meeting those higher values creates the Stage 2 classification used here.

High blood pressure categories are about risk level. Stage 2 signals a more dangerous elevation than Stage 1, indicating a higher chance of complications and a need for closer medical management. In this item's framework, Stage 2 is defined by a systolic reading of 160 or higher and a diastolic reading of 110 or higher, which identifies a markedly elevated pressure on both measures. Readings that fall into normal, elevated, or Stage 1 ranges do not meet that higher threshold, whereas very extreme values (well above 180/120) would raise additional concern for urgent evaluation. So the combination of meeting those higher values creates the Stage 2 classification used here.