How many levels of hypertension?

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Pham Van Hung - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

Hypertension is a fairly common disease and tends to increase in Vietnam. The main subjects with high blood pressure are middle-aged and elderly people. The classification of hypertension is based on the measured blood pressure value.

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries when the heart pumps blood to the organs. Through the sphygmomanometer, it is easy to know the level of blood pressure in the human body. When talking about blood pressure, some common medical terms are often used:
Systolic pressure: This is the pressure inside the arteries when the heart pumps blood out. This maximum number appears first or above the results section of the measuring device. Diastolic pressure: This is the resting pressure of the artery between pumps. This minimum reading is in the 2nd place or number below the results section of the measuring device. Unit mmHg: This is the unit of measurement for blood pressure, which stands for millimeters of mercury. Hypertension is when the systolic blood pressure is ≥ 140 mmHg and/or the diastolic blood pressure is ≥ 90 mmHg. There are two main types of hypertension:
Primary hypertension: Also called essential hypertension, occurs commonly in adults and has no known cause, only developing silently over time. Secondary Hypertension: High blood pressure due to cardiovascular, medical, or lifestyle causes. Although it accounts for only about 10% of cases, secondary hypertension develops more rapidly and is more severe.

The threshold for diagnosing high blood pressure can vary slightly depending on how blood pressure is measured. However, based on the blood pressure value obtained after measuring blood pressure according to the correct procedure performed by medical staff, blood pressure classification is divided into levels as follows:
Optimal blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure < 120 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg. Normal blood pressure: Systolic blood pressure 120 – 129 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 80 – 84 mmHg. Prehypertension: Systolic blood pressure 130-139 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 85-89 mmHg. Grade 1 hypertension: Systolic blood pressure 140 – 159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 90 – 99 mmHg. Grade 2 hypertension: systolic blood pressure 160-179 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 100-109 mmHg. Grade 3 hypertension: Systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg. Isolated systolic hypertension: systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg. In case the systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure do not share the same classification as above, priority is given to choosing the higher level for classification. Isolated systolic hypertension is also graded according to the variability of systolic blood pressure.

In addition to checking blood pressure at a medical facility or clinic, patients can also monitor their own health status through a 24-hour automatic blood pressure monitor or self-measurement. blood pressure at home. It should be noted that you should rest or sit still 5 minutes before measuring to get the most accurate results. You can also measure 2 times to be more sure if your blood pressure readings are significantly different from normal.
For children, blood pressure readings will be very different from that of adults. Therefore, parents can consult a pediatrician if they suspect that their baby has signs of blood pressure disorders.

Doctors usually do not prescribe drug treatment of hypertension in high-normal blood pressure (129/84 mmHg) or pre-hypertension. Instead, patients need healthier lifestyle changes to help reduce these values, as well as the risk factors for high blood pressure.
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Blood pressure greater than or equal to 180/110 mmHg is extremely high (grade 3 hypertension), requiring urgent medical intervention. If there are any more dangerous symptoms, such as chest pain, headache, shortness of breath or dizziness, the patient should go to the emergency department immediately to be controlled by a doctor in time to avoid serious complications.
Hypertension often progresses very quietly with vague symptoms or no specific symptoms. Therefore, the group of subjects prone to hypertension, such as middle-aged and elderly people, who work a lot or have unscientific living habits, should actively monitor their blood pressure regularly and regularly. . If high blood pressure is not detected in time to rest or take antihypertensive drugs, the disease is at high risk of dangerous complications, especially stroke.
One of the safest and most accurate ways to know your blood pressure is to check your blood pressure at a reputable hospital. The basic and advanced hypertension examination package deployed at Vinmec International General Hospital is the first choice for people at risk of high blood pressure or signs of hypertension. The examination package will help determine the causes, complications and levels of hypertension, help patients understand their health status and promptly take necessary interventions.
Master, Doctor Pham Van Hung has 30 years of experience in examination and treatment of internal diseases, especially in Cardiology: coronary arteries, heart failure, heart valves, arrhythmias. ..Master, Doctor Hung used to hold the position of Deputy Head of Internal Cardiology Department and Head of Interventional Cardiology Unit at Da Nang General Hospital and is currently working at Department of Examination and Internal Medicine, Internal Cardiology, Cardiology. Interventional circuit at Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.