Stages of Hypertension

There are two types of hypertension identified as primary high blood pressure (which is not caused by other medical conditions) and secondary high blood pressure (caused by medical conditions such as kidney troubles, thyroid, sleep apnea, drugs, etc.) Though you may not know it, hypertension actually has stages. Here’s all you need to know about these stages:

What Are The Stages Of Hypertension?

There are four stages of hypertension or high blood pressure in adults:

 

Where the systolic reading is in the range of 120 – 139 mm Hg and the diastolic reading is in the range of 80-89 mm Hg. Prehypertension is your body’s way of sending out a warning sign that, if neglected, you may develop high blood pressure in the future.

Brain Symptoms – 

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Light-headedness
• Nausea with or without vomiting

Heart Symptoms – 

• Weakness icon
• Fatigue icon
• Shortness of breath (breathlessness) icon

Most people with hypertension may not have any symptoms and therefore hypertension is termed as “silent killer”. If you feel doubts about having hypertension, DO NOT self-diagnose yourself. Get an opinion from your doctor.

 

Stage 2 hypertension is called as Mild hypertension, or raised blood pressure. In case of mild hypertension, consistent blood pressure readings show the systolic reading in the range of 140 -159 mm Hg and the diastolic reading between 90 – 99 mm Hg. In this stage of high blood pressure, doctors may prescribe blood pressure medications and recommend lifestyle changes.

 

Stage 3 hypertension is called moderate hypertension where the systolic reading is in the range of 160 – 179 mm Hg and the diastolic reading is in the range of 100-109 mm Hg. In case of these blood pressure readings, doctors will prescribe medications and insist on rapid lifestyle changes.

Since 2017, the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association has recommended guidelines to define normal and high blood pressure.

 

Uncontrolled high blood pressure is dangerous and may increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure which may even prove fatal. Some studies suggest that the risk of dying of a heart attack is directly linked to high blood pressure, particularly systolic hypertension. The higher your blood pressure, the higher the risk.

Thus, it is important to keep hypertension in control to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke. Getting your blood pressure checked regularly, and monitored by your doctor, is important in helping keep the blood pressure in a normal range. A diagnosis of high blood pressure (similarly, any unusually low blood pressure readings must also be evaluated by a medical practitioner) must be confirmed with a medical professional.

Note of caution: This article is for information purpose only. Always consult your doctor before altering any diet plans, medications or in case of any other blood pressure related troubles.

REFERENCES :

1. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/types-and-stages-of-hypertension