A blood pressure reading of 165/112 falls into which category?

• A. Normal
• B. Stage 2 hypertension
• C. Prehypertension
• D. Stage 1 hypertension

Answer: (B)

This reading shows a systolic pressure well above 140 and a diastolic pressure well above 90. In current blood pressure categories, a systolic of 140 or higher or a diastolic of 90 or higher places the measurement into the higher stage of hypertension. Here, both values exceed those thresholds, so it fits Stage 2 hypertension. It’s not normal or prehypertension, and it’s not Stage 1, which would involve lower systolic and diastolic ranges. Note that a diastolic reading of 112 indicates significant hypertension, and if such levels are persistent, medical evaluation and management are important.