Final answer:
A patient is considered to have hypertension if the blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mm Hg. However, the definition changed slightly in 2017, where 130/80 mm Hg is considered stage 1 hypertension. Because of hypertension's asymptomatic nature, it's essential to monitor blood pressure regularly.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient is considered to have hypertension if the blood pressure is consistently elevated above 140/90 mm Hg or higher. New guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association in 2017 defined stage 1 hypertension as starting at 130/80 mm Hg. These changes were made to help individuals recognize potential risks earlier and take steps to manage their blood pressure before it causes significant health issues. Chronic hypertension can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. It is known as a "silent killer" because it often does not have noticeable symptoms, thus the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring is emphasized.