The 4 Stages of Hypertension

Blood pressure is the pressure of the circulating blood against the large arteries that results from the pumping of the heart. It is used to measure the heart’s ability to contract and relax.

The contraction pressure occurs when your heart pushes blood out, called systolic pressure. The relaxation pressure, known as diastolic pressure, is when your heart rests between beats.

The systolic pressure is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system whereas the diastolic pressure is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system. The systolic pressure should be 120 mg/dL while diastolic pressure should be 80 mg/dL. When your blood pressure is higher than this number, you are diagnosed with high blood pressure—also known as hypertension.

The causes of high blood pressure can be insulin resistance, stress, an unhealthy lifestyle, or a kidney problem, though the most common of all is called obesity-induced hypertension.

Hypertension is generally broken down into four stages that can identify their relative safety and danger level.

Stage 1 Hypertension

Stage 1 hypertension, also known as pre-hypertension, is usually when your blood pressure is between 120/80 to 139/89. In this stage, you need proper lifestyle changes and interventions for the pressure to be normal. There is no need for any drugs as such but regular monitoring is crucial (1).

Stage 2 Hypertension

Stage 2 hypertension is also known as mild hypertension. Here, your blood pressure ranges from 140/90 to 159/99. In this stage, you are at risk of developing stage 3 and 4 hypertension, if you are not careful. Lifestyle changes are not enough and you will need drugs such as beta-blockers, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, etc. (2).

Stage 3 Hypertension

In stage 3 hypertension, also known as moderate hypertension, your pressure is between 160/100 to 179/109. In this stage, one drug is often not enough. Usually, your doctor will go for a two-drug therapy to bring your pressure down (3).

Stage 4 Hypertension

This is called severe hypertension and the readings are over 180/110. Also known as a hypertensive crisis, you will need medical treatment right away as it can damage your blood vessels and organs, potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke (4).

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided by DarioHealth Corp. programs is general in nature and is not meant to replace the advice or care you get from your doctor or other health care professional.

Resources

1. https://www.kidney.org/news/kidneyCare/fall10/Prehypertension
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22895954/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28876740/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513351/

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