BP classification	Systolic BP, mm Hg*		Diastolic BP, mm Hg*	Lifestyle modification	Initial drug therapy without compelling indication	Initial drug therapy with compelling indications†
Normal	< 120	and	< 80	Encourage
Prehypertension	120 to 139	or	80 to 89	Yes	No antihypertensive drug indicated	Drug(s) for the compelling indications‡
Stage 1 hypertension	140 to 159	or	90 to 99	Yes	Thiazide-type diuretics for most; may consider ACE inhibitor, ARB, beta blocker, CCB, or combination	Drug(s) for the compelling indications, other antihypertensive drugs (diuretics, ACE inhibitor, ARB, beta blocker, CCB) as needed
Stage 2 hypertension	160	or	100	Yes	2-drug combination for most (usually thiazide-type diuretic and ACE inhibitor or ARB or beta blocker or CCB)§	Drug(s) for the compelling indications, other antihypertensive drugs (diuretics, ACE inhibitor, ARB, beta blocker, CCB) as needed