How is hypertension diagnosed in the absence of end-organ damage?

Hypertension is diagnosed when there is a consistent pattern of elevated blood pressure readings. Specifically, the criteria for diagnosing hypertension typically require persistently elevated readings over multiple occasions. In the absence of end-organ damage, medical guidelines recommend that blood pressure be measured on at least three different visits. This approach ensures that temporary spikes in blood pressure, which can occur due to various stressors or situational factors, do not result in a misdiagnosis.

By confirming that blood pressure remains elevated consistently across these visits, healthcare providers are better able to identify true hypertension as opposed to transient or situational increases. This method helps to establish the diagnosis more reliably and is aligned with clinical guidelines designed to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of hypertension. Other options, such as a single high reading or assessments like palpation of pulses or weight, do not sufficiently confirm a diagnosis of hypertension and lack the necessary corroborative evidence.