Hypertension: diagnosis & target
What the major U.S. guidelines recommend, with a link to verify each at the source. A quick-reference summary for clinicians, not medical advice.
ACC/AHA · 2025
Replaces 2017; categories unchanged: Normal <120/80; Elevated 120–129/<80; Stage 1 130–139 or 80–89; Stage 2 ≥140 or ≥90. Target <130/80, with encouragement to reach <120/80 for most. Start medication if BP ≥140/90, or ≥130/80 with CVD, diabetes, CKD, or PREVENT 10-yr risk ≥7.5%. Use the PREVENT calculator for risk.
Verify at ACC/AHA →USPSTF · 2021 · Grade A
Screen adults ≥18; confirm with out-of-office (ambulatory/home) BP before diagnosis.
Verify at USPSTF →