ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Certified Exercise Physiologist Practice Questions and Study Guide

Stage 2 hypertension is characterized by significantly elevated blood pressure levels that indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular events. The classification for stage 2 hypertension, as defined by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, includes blood pressure readings with a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 140 mmHg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mmHg or higher. This categorization is important in clinical practice as it helps healthcare providers identify patients who may require more aggressive management and intervention to control their blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications.

The other classifications either fall below the threshold for stage 2 hypertension or do not represent significant hypertension levels. Therefore, they do not meet the criteria established for stage 2, confirming that the identification based on the provided criteria accurately aligns with the widely accepted guidelines in cardiovascular health.