Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient has a blood pressure reading of 145/95 mmHg. According to the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, what stage is this?
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Correct answer: C. Stage 2 Hypertension (≥140 / ≥90)
Per the 2017 AHA/ACC guidelines: Normal: <120/<80; Elevated: 120-129/<80; Stage 1 HTN: 130-139/80-89; Stage 2 HTN: ≥140/≥90; Hypertensive Crisis: >180/>120. A BP of 145/95 exceeds both thresholds for Stage 2 (≥140 systolic AND ≥90 diastolic). Dental implication: elective procedures should be deferred at Stage 2 unless medically cleared.
- A. Incorrect. Elevated BP is defined as 120-129 systolic with <80 diastolic — 145/95 far exceeds this range.
- B. Incorrect. Stage 1 is 130-139/80-89. At 145/95, BOTH systolic and diastolic exceed Stage 1 thresholds.
- C. CORRECT. Stage 2 HTN is defined as ≥140 mmHg systolic OR ≥90 mmHg diastolic. At 145/95, both thresholds are met.
- D. Incorrect. Hypertensive Crisis requires BP >180/>120 — 145/95 is Stage 2 but not yet a crisis level.
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