According to ACC/AHA guidelines, what category is SBP 170 and DBP 95?

• A. Stage 1 hypertension (SBP 130-139 or DBP 80-89).
• B. Normal BP (<120/<80).
• C. Hypotension (<90/<60).
• D. Stage 2 hypertension (SBP ≥140 or DBP ≥90).

Answer: (D)

Systolic blood pressure of 170 and diastolic of 95 meet the Stage 2 hypertension thresholds, which are defined as SBP ≥140 or DBP ≥90 by ACC/AHA guidelines. Since both numbers are above those cutoffs (and diastolic is well above 90), this reading clearly falls into Stage 2 hypertension. Normal would be under 120/80, and Stage 1 would require SBP 130–139 or DBP 80–89, while hypotension would be below 90/60. The key idea is that crossing the Stage 2 thresholds places the measurement in that higher category, signaling a need for closer evaluation and potential treatment based on overall cardiovascular risk.