Categories and management of blood pressure [1]

Blood pressure categorySystolic and/or diastolic (mmHg)Drug therapy
NormalLess than 120 and less than 80No antihypertensive drug indicated
Prehypertension120–129 and less than 80No antihypertensive drug indicated
HTN stage 1130–139 or 80–89Thiazide-type diuretics for most; may consider ACEI, ARB, BB, CCB, or combination
HTN stage 2140 or higher or 90 or higherTwo-drug combination (usually thiazide-type diuretic and ACEI or ARB, BB, CCB)
Hypertensive crisesHigher than 180 and/or higher than 120Antihypertensive drugs for compelling indications (diuretics, ACEI, ARB, BB, CCB) as needed

ACEI: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB: angiotensin-receptor blocker; BB: beta blocker; CCB: calcium channel blocker; HTN: hypertension