Case of the Month #20 - hypertension

Published 01/02/2022

How is hypertension classified?

Hypertension can be classified by severity:

European Society of Cardiology1:

  • Grade 1: SBP 140-159 and/or DBP 90-99mmHg-
  • Grade 2: SBP 160-179 and/or DBP 100-109mmHg
  • Grade 3: SBP ≥180 and/or DBP ≥110mmHg

NICE2:

  • Stage 1: SBP 140-159 and/or DBP 90-99mmHg-
  • Stage 2: SBP 160-179 and/or DBP 100-119mmHg
  • Stage 3: SBP ≥180 and/or DBP ≥120mmHg

Hypertension can be classified by cause:

  • Primary (or essential) hypertension: Hypertension with no identifiable secondary cause.
  • Secondary hypertension (5-15% of cases): Hypertension due to an identifiable cause which may be treatable with an intervention specific to the cause1.