Table 3: Classification and Management of Blood Pressure for Adults

Table 3:
Classification and Management of Blood Pressure for Adults
				Initial Drug Therapy
BP Classification	*SBP, mm Hg**	*DBP, mm Hg**	Lifestyle modifications	Without Compelling Indications	With Compelling Indications
Normal	<120	And <80	Encourage
Prehypertension	120-139	Or 80-89	Yes	No antihypertensive drug indicated	Drug(s) for compelling indications†
Stage 1 Hypertension	140-159	Or 90-99	Yes	Thiazide-type diuretics for most. May consider ACEI, ARB, BB, CCB, or combination	Drug(s) for the compelling indications.‡ Other antihypertensive drugs (diuretics, ACEI, ARB, BB, CCB) as needed
Stage 2 Hypertension	> 160	Or >100	Yes	Two-drug combination for most† (usually thiazide-type diuretic and ACEI or ARB or BB or CCB)
DBP=diastolic blood pressure, SBP=systolic blood pressure. Drug abbreviations: ACEI=angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB=angiotensin receptor blocker; BB=beta-blocker; CCB=calcium channel blocker * Treatment determined by highest blood pressure category † Initial combined therapy should be used cautiously in those at risk for orthostatic hypotension. ‡ Treat patients with chronic kidney disease or diabetes to blood pressure goal of <130/80 mmHg. Adapted from JNC VII