ABSTRACT
Diagnosis/Definition (Table 1.1) Chronic hypertension in pregnancy (CHTN) is defined as either a history of hypertension preceding the preg nancy or a blood pressure ≥140/90 prior to 20 weeks ges tation. Though controversial, the 5th Korotkoff sound is used for the diastolic reading. Blood pressure measurements can be obtained using a manual or an automated cuff with the patient in the sitting position. Severe CHTN is defined as SBP ≥160 mmHg or DBP ≥110 mmHg. In non pregnant adults, BP <120/80 mmHg is normal, BP 120139/80-89 mmHg is prehypertension, BP 140-159/90-99 is stage 1 hypertension, and BP ≥160/100 mmHg is stage 2 hypertension.
