From the Guidelines
A blood pressure reading of 175/79 indicates stage 2 hypertension, which requires immediate medical attention. According to the most recent guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, as stated in the 2024 study 1, hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure ≥80 mmHg. Given that the systolic reading of 175 mmHg is significantly elevated, this condition is classified as stage 2 hypertension.
Key Considerations
- The diastolic reading of 79 mmHg is within the normal range, but the significantly elevated systolic pressure puts the individual at risk for cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart attack.
- The management of hypertension involves lifestyle modifications and, often, pharmacological interventions, as outlined in various studies, including those from 2020 1.
- Regular blood pressure monitoring at home and lifestyle changes, such as reducing sodium intake, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, engaging in moderate physical activity, and practicing stress reduction techniques, are crucial components of hypertension management.
Management Approach
- Immediate medical attention is necessary to assess the individual's overall cardiovascular risk and to initiate appropriate management strategies.
- Antihypertensive medications, such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics, may be prescribed to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.
- Lifestyle modifications, including weight management, regular exercise, and adherence to the DASH diet, will likely be recommended as part of the long-term management plan.
Evidence Base
The definition and management of hypertension are supported by recent guidelines and studies, including those published in 2024 1 and 2020 1, which emphasize the importance of early detection, accurate blood pressure measurement, and comprehensive management strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with hypertension.
From the Research
Blood Pressure Classification
- A blood pressure of 175/79 mmHg is considered high, with the systolic value exceeding the normal range.
- According to the study 2, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines define hypertension as a blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher.
- The study 3 also supports this definition, stating that evidence strongly supports reducing blood pressure to less than 140/90 mmHg to reduce the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in adults with hypertension.
Comparison to Guidelines
- The blood pressure value of 175/79 mmHg exceeds the threshold for hypertension defined by the ESC guidelines 2 and the American family physician study 3.
- The study 3 suggests that lowering blood pressure to less than 135/85 mmHg may further reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, indicating that a blood pressure of 175/79 mmHg is significantly elevated.
Clinical Implications
- The study 4 discusses the importance of recognizing severely elevated blood pressure as a potential medical emergency, highlighting the need for immediate intervention in certain cases.
- The study 5 demonstrates the effectiveness of healthcare professional-led interventions on lifestyle modifications in lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension, suggesting that patients with elevated blood pressure may benefit from lifestyle changes and medical treatment.