Final answer:
A blood pressure of 158/99 mm Hg is classified as Stage 1 Hypertension, which is a serious health concern that may lead to complications such as heart attacks and strokes. Management includes lifestyle changes and possibly medications.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a person has a blood pressure reading of 158/99 mm Hg, it is classified as Stage 1 Hypertension. This categorization is based on guidelines that define normal blood pressure as less than 120/80 mm Hg, and prehypertension as blood pressure between 120/80 and 139/89 mm Hg. Chronically elevated blood pressure, like the reading you've provided, can lead to serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and different cardiovascular diseases because it might contribute to conditions like atherosclerosis. It's important for individuals with hypertension to adopt lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, and in some cases, medications may be necessary to manage the condition