What BP range defines hypertension stage 3 (severe)?

What BP range defines hypertension stage 3 (severe)?

• A. Systolic <120 mmHg and diastolic <80 mmHg
• B. Systolic ≥160 mmHg or diastolic ≥100 mmHg
• C. Systolic 140-159 mmHg or diastolic 90-99 mmHg
• D. Systolic 130-139 mmHg or diastolic 85-89 mmHg

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how hypertension is categorized by blood pressure numbers. In this framework, stage 3 (severe) is reached when systolic pressure is 160 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure is 100 mmHg or higher. This threshold signals the highest-risk category in these definitions, indicating a need for urgent evaluation and likely more aggressive management. For context, normal blood pressure is below 120/80, stage 1 covers about 130-139 or 85-89, and stage 2 covers 140-159 or 90-99. So crossing the 160/100 line places someone in the most severe category here.

The main idea is how hypertension is categorized by blood pressure numbers. In this framework, stage 3 (severe) is reached when systolic pressure is 160 mmHg or higher or diastolic pressure is 100 mmHg or higher. This threshold signals the highest-risk category in these definitions, indicating a need for urgent evaluation and likely more aggressive management. For context, normal blood pressure is below 120/80, stage 1 covers about 130-139 or 85-89, and stage 2 covers 140-159 or 90-99. So crossing the 160/100 line places someone in the most severe category here.