Final answer:
A patient with blood pressure readings of 164/102 and 176/100 is classified as having Stage 2 Hypertension. This condition requires careful management due to the high risk of complications like heart attack and stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient with blood pressure readings of 164/102 and 176/100 would be classified in the category of Stage 2 Hypertension. According to the new guidelines provided by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg or above is considered hypertension. Readings higher than 140/90 mm Hg are generally considered as Stage 2 Hypertension. This condition can lead to serious complications including heart attack, stroke, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure.
Total hypertension cases in the United States are significant, with millions affected. Since hypertension is often a silent disorder, ongoing monitoring and treatment are crucial for reducing the risk of potentially life-threatening events.