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Hypertension Categories
Some experts categorize hypertension into the following types:
Essential Hypertension. Essential hypertension is also known as primary or idiopathic hypertension. About 90% of all high blood pressure cases are this type. The causes of essential hypertension are unknown but are based on complex processes in all major organs and systems, including the heart, blood vessels, nerves, hormones, and the kidneys.
Secondary Hypertension. Secondary hypertension comprises about 5% of high blood pressure cases. In this condition, the cause has been identified.
Isolated Systolic Hypertension. This occurs when systolic hypertension is over 140 mm Hg but diastolic pressure is normal. It is related to arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
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Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. This condition occurs during pregnancy if blood pressure increases by more than 15 mm Hg above normal.
White Coat Hypertension. This form of hypertension is elevated blood pressure that occurs only during a visit to the doctor's office, but not at home. It is a factor in about 20% of patients with mild hypertension. Although previously considered a relatively harmless condition, research now suggests that white-coat hypertension shares certain features with essential hypertension. Studies have even suggested that white-coat hypertension actually may pose a risk for future heart problems, although the increased danger appears to be small compared with the risk in those with steady mild hypertension.
Blood Pressure Ranges |
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Blood Pressure Category |
Ranges for Most Adults (systolic/diastolic) |
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Normal Blood Pressure (systolic/diastolic) |
Systolic below 120 mm Hg Diastolic below 80 mm Hg |
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Prehypertension (Formerly Normal to High-Normal Blood Pressure) |
Systolic 120 to 139 mm Hg Diastolic 80 to 89 mm Hg (NOTE: 139/89 or below should be the minimum goal for everyone. People with diabetes or chronic kidney disease should strive for 130/80 or less.) |
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Mild Hypertension (Stage 1) |
Systolic 140 to 159 mm Hg Diastolic 90 to 99 mm Hg |
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Moderate to Severe Hypertension (Stage 2) |
Systolic over 160 mm Hg and/or Diastolic over 100 mm Hg |
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Note: If one of the measurements is in a higher category than the other, the higher measurement is usually used to determine the stage. For example, if systolic pressure is 165 (Stage 2) and diastolic is 92 (Stage 1), the patient would still be diagnosed with Stage 2 hypertension. It should be strongly noted that a high systolic pressure compared to a normal or low diastolic pressure should be a major focus of concern in most adults. |
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