Final answer:
Stage 1 hypertension is defined as a systolic BP of 130-139 mm Hg and/or a diastolic BP of 80-89 mm Hg. It is a silent condition that significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke if left untreated. Treatment goals typically involve reducing BP to below 140/90 mm Hg while maintaining diastolic pressure above 60 mm Hg.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blood Pressure Ranges for Stage 1 Hypertension
The BP range for stage 1 hypertension (HTN) is a systolic blood pressure between 130 to 139 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure between 80 to 89 mm Hg, according to the new guidelines released by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. It's important to note that hypertension can be a silent disorder, which is why it's often called a "silent killer" because many individuals are unaware of their elevated blood pressure and potential health risks, such as heart attacks or stroke. The guidelines also recognize a normal blood pressure as being less than 120/80 mm Hg and elevated blood pressure ranging from a systolic pressure of 120-129 mm Hg with a diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg.
Treatment for hypertension usually aims to reduce blood pressure to less than 140/90 mm Hg while ensuring that the diastolic pressure remains above 60 mm Hg to avoid conditions like ischemia and hypoxia, which result from insufficient blood flow and oxygenation to tissues.