Stage 1 hypertension is defined as which range?

• A. 120-129 and <80 mmHg
• B. 125-129 or <80 mmHg
• C. 130-139 or 80-89 mmHg
• D. 140 or higher mmHg

Answer: (C)

Hypertension is categorized by systolic and diastolic levels to guide how aggressively to manage it. Stage 1 hypertension is reached when the systolic pressure is 130–139 mm Hg or the diastolic pressure is 80–89 mm Hg. This threshold helps identify people who have higher cardiovascular risk and may benefit from lifestyle changes and, depending on overall risk, possibly starting antihypertensive therapy.

In practice, this diagnosis is made after verification with repeated readings on separate occasions or validated home blood pressure monitoring, since a single high measurement can occur for many reasons. It’s also important to assess overall cardiovascular risk (such as 10-year ASCVD risk) because treatment decisions hinge on that risk level, not just the numbers alone.

For context, readings like 120–129 mm Hg systolic with diastolic under 80 are considered elevated blood pressure, not stage 1. Readings of 140 mm Hg or higher (or diastolic 90 mm Hg or higher) fall into stage 2 hypertension.