Types of Hypertensive Blood Pressure Levels

Common blood pressure measurements indicate the pressure of the blood surge in the arteries of the upper arm with each heartbeat. The power of each surge is measured in units called millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Two forces are counted and represented by two numbers. The number on the top of the fraction measures the force of the blood surge when the heart contracts—the systolic pressure. The number on the bottom measures the pressure remaining in the arteries when the heart relaxes between beats—the diastolic pressure. Adult blood pressure is usually considered normal if the upper limit is recorded as 150/89 mm Hg. Current hypertension screening and treatment programs identify persons with hypertension according to degree of severity of these pressures (e.g., mild, moderate, or severe). Specific care is then outlined depending on the severity, limiting drugs as much as possible.

Mild hypertension.

Diastolic pressure is 90 to 104 mm Hg. The initial focus is on approaches of diet therapy (without drugs) to reduce excess weight and restrict sodium.

Moderate hypertension.

Diastolic pressure is 105 to 119 mm Hg. In addition to the diet therapy for the mild form, drugs are used according to need and usually include a diuretic agent. Continuous use of some—though not all—diuretic drugs causes loss of potassium along with the increased loss of water from the body. Because potassium is necessary for maintaining normal heart muscle action, a depletion could become dangerous. Potassium replace-ment is necessary. Dietary replacement by increased use of potassium-rich foods (e.g., fruits, especially bananas and orange juice, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and meat) is an important part of therapy.

Severe hypertension

Diastolic pressure is at least 120 to 130 mm Hg. In addition to the diet for the moderate form, vigorous drug therapy is necessary. Nutritional support is important for all types of hypertension, along with other non drug therapies of physical exercise and stress reduction.