Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which reflects the 2023 ADA standards for hypertension diagnosis based on a single health care visit?

1. A BP reading of >180/110 is sufficient for diagnosis

2. A BP reading of >170/100 is sufficient for diagnosis

3. A single BP measurement is sufficient for hypertension diagnosis

4. A BP reading >140/90 on both arms at a single visit is sufficient for diagnosis

The correct answer is: A BP reading of >180/110 is sufficient for diagnosis

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) standards for the diagnosis of hypertension emphasize the importance of confirmed elevated blood pressure readings. According to the 2023 guidelines, a blood pressure reading greater than 180/110 mmHg, recorded during a single health care visit, is indeed considered sufficient for the diagnosis of hypertension. This threshold reflects the need to identify significantly elevated blood pressure levels that indicate hypertension, aiming to prioritize patient safety and appropriate management. Diagnosing hypertension typically requires either multiple readings over time or confirmation of elevated readings to avoid misdiagnosis due to transient elevations caused by anxiety, pain, or other temporary factors. However, the high threshold provided (greater than 180/110 mmHg) is a clear indicator of hypertension even from a single reading, aligning with the need for decisiveness in managing severely elevated blood pressure to prevent acute health complications. In contrast, readings that are not as elevated or a single reading that falls within a range that may be considered borderline or moderately elevated would not meet the criteria for diagnosis based on this guideline. Thus, it is crucial for health care providers to recognize the significance of exceedingly elevated blood pressure readings for immediate clinical implications.