Hypertension is classified as a sustained elevation in which of the following?

Hypertension is defined as a sustained elevation in blood pressure, which can manifest as increases in either systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, or both. The classification of hypertension includes stage 1 and stage 2, which take into account both measurements.

When diagnosing hypertension, it's crucial to understand that either number can be elevated to indicate a problem—systolic reflects the pressure during heartbeats, while diastolic represents the pressure in between beats. While diastolic hypertension can occur, especially in younger individuals, systolic hypertension is more prevalent in older adults. Therefore, if only diastolic pressure is considered without acknowledging the potential for an elevated systolic measurement, the classification would be incomplete.

In summary, hypertension can involve an elevation in diastolic pressure, but it's important to also consider the role of systolic pressure for a comprehensive understanding of the condition. Hence, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures are relevant to the diagnosis of hypertension.