Stage 2 hypertension in adults is defined by?

• A. Systolic ≥140 or diastolic ≥90
• B. Systolic ≥180 or diastolic ≥110
• C. Systolic ≥160 mmHg or diastolic ≥100 mmHg
• D. Systolic ≥150 or diastolic ≥95

Answer: (C)

Stage 2 hypertension is defined by a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or higher. This level signals a higher cardiovascular risk and typically leads to escalation of therapy beyond lifestyle changes, often including antihypertensive medication after confirmation on separate occasions or with home monitoring using proper technique. A reading around 140/90 would fall into a lower stage, and 150/95 is also below the Stage 2 threshold, while values higher than 160/100 meet the criteria for Stage 2.