Chart — Med-Surg
Blood Pressure Classification Chart
The AHA/ACC categories at a glance. Watch the conjunctions: stage 1 and stage 2 need only one number (systolic OR diastolic) to qualify, while normal and elevated need both.
Educational use only. Categories follow AHA/ACC guidance; classification requires properly measured, repeated readings. Treatment thresholds are individualized and provider-directed. This material supports nursing education and exam review. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for clinical judgment, institutional policy, or medical direction. Always follow facility protocols and current provider orders.
Categories
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) | General action | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 | and | < 80 | Maintain healthy lifestyle; reassess yearly |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and | < 80 | Lifestyle changes; recheck in 3–6 months |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130–139 | or | 80–89 | Lifestyle ± medication based on cardiovascular risk |
| Stage 2 hypertension | ≥ 140 | or | ≥ 90 | Lifestyle + medication (often 2 drugs) |
| Hypertensive crisis | > 180 | and/or | > 120 | Recheck; if organ-damage symptoms → emergency care now |
Exam Traps
- ✦Stage 1 = 130–139 OR 80–89; Stage 2 = ≥140 OR ≥90 — only ONE value needs to qualify (use the higher category).
- ✦Elevated = 120–129 AND <80 (systolic only); diastolic must still be under 80.
- ✦Hypertensive crisis = >180 and/or >120 — an emergency if accompanied by organ-damage symptoms.
- ✦Always base the category on accurate, repeated measurements — not a single rushed reading.
- ✦These thresholds are AHA/ACC; some guidelines define hypertension at ≥140/90.
Related Resources
Standards & sources
Fact-checked Jun 21, 2026This page is written to align with Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) · Current medical-surgical nursing standards. It is an educational summary, not a citation of any single document — always verify specific doses, values, and protocols against current guidelines and your facility policy. How we source content →