What blood pressure reading indicates stage 2 hypertension?

Stage 2 hypertension is characterized by significantly elevated blood pressure readings. The correct indication of stage 2 hypertension is recognized as a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg. These values reflect a more severe level of high blood pressure that necessitates immediate lifestyle changes or medical intervention to mitigate the risks associated with hypertension, such as cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The other options reflect varying degrees of hypertension or normal blood pressure. For example, readings of 120-129/80 mmHg and 130-139/80-89 mmHg classify as elevated blood pressure and stage 1 hypertension respectively, indicating that these values do not meet the criteria for stage 2 hypertension. Meanwhile, a reading of 160+/100+ further exacerbates the stage 2 classification, as it indicates a higher level of risk. However, it is the initial threshold of greater than 140 systolic or greater than 90 diastolic that defines stage 2 hypertension in clinical practice.