Table: Treatment for High Blood Pressure-Merck Manual Consumer Version

Treatment for High Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure (mm Hg)	Low Risk of ASCVD*	High Risk of ASCVD*	Presence of ASCVD*
Elevated blood pressure (120–129 systolic, less than 80 diastolic)	Lifestyle changes Re-examination in 3–6 months	Lifestyle changes Re-examination in 3–6 months	Lifestyle changes Re-examination in 3–6 months
Stage 1 high blood pressure ( 130–139 systolic, 80–89 diastolic)	Lifestyle changes Re-examination in 3–6 months	Treatment with 1 blood pressure–lowering medication† Re-examination in 1 month	Treatment with 1 blood pressure–lowering medication† Re-examination in 1 month
Stage 2 high blood pressure (systolic 140 or higher OR diastolic 90 or higher)‡	Treatment with 2 blood pressure–lowering medications Re-examination in 1 month	Treatment with 2 blood pressure–lowering medications Re-examination in 1 month	Treatment with 2 blood pressure–lowering medications Re-examination in 1 month
* ASCVD = atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, or stroke. Low risk is considered less than 10%. High risk is 10% or more.
† Lifestyle changes are recommended for all people receiving medication therapy.
‡ For people with blood pressure readings of 140–159/90–100, doctors prescribe two medications (of different classes) for the initial treatment, and they re-examine the person frequently.

Blood Pressure (mm Hg)

Low Risk of ASCVD*

High Risk of ASCVD*

Presence of ASCVD*

Elevated blood pressure (120–129 systolic, less than 80 diastolic)

Lifestyle changes

Re-examination in 3–6 months

Lifestyle changes

Re-examination in 3–6 months

Lifestyle changes

Re-examination in 3–6 months

Stage 1 high blood pressure ( 130–139 systolic, 80–89 diastolic)

Lifestyle changes

Re-examination in 3–6 months

Treatment with 1 blood pressure–lowering medication†

Re-examination in 1 month

Treatment with 1 blood pressure–lowering medication†

Re-examination in 1 month

Stage 2 high blood pressure (systolic 140 or higher OR diastolic 90 or higher)‡

Treatment with 2 blood pressure–lowering medications

Re-examination in 1 month

Treatment with 2 blood pressure–lowering medications

Re-examination in 1 month

Treatment with 2 blood pressure–lowering medications

Re-examination in 1 month

* ASCVD = atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, or stroke.

Low risk is considered less than 10%. High risk is 10% or more.

† Lifestyle changes are recommended for all people receiving medication therapy.

‡ For people with blood pressure readings of 140–159/90–100, doctors prescribe two medications (of different classes) for the initial treatment, and they re-examine the person frequently.