• DC 7101: Hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension are forms of high blood pressure that are caused by hypertensive vascular disease. “Blood pressure” refers to the pressure exerted by the blood flowing through the veins. During each cycle (1 heart beat to the next), the highest pressure is called the systolic pressure, and the lowest pressure is called the diastolic pressure. Hypertension refers to both the diastolic and systolic pressure, and systolic hypertension refers to only the systolic pressure. When looking at a blood pressure reading, the systolic hypertension is the number on top, and the diastolic is the number on bottom.

<aside> ❤️ Hypertension: Diagnosis

To qualify for a high blood pressure rating, the condition must be clearly documented by the physician. Blood pressure readings must be taken two or more times a day on at least three different days in order for the condition to be officially diagnosed. This is best practice according to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the preferred method noted in the VASRD, however, 5 day blood pressure readings are standard practice. As long as they are performed in accordance with AHA guidelines, the 5-day readings may also be enough to establish an official diagnosis.

| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic mm Hg (top #) | | Diastolic mm Hg (bottom #) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Normal | > 120 | & | > 80 | | Elevated | 120-129 | & | > 80 | | High Blood Pressure (hypertension - stage 1) | 130-139 | & | 80-89 | | High Blood Pressure (hypertension - stage 2) | 140 + | & | 90 + | | Hypertensive crisis (seek emergency care) | 180 + | &/or | 120 + |

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<aside> <img src="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/27d679cd-c418-430d-b150-b25de544754a/considerthis.png" alt="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/27d679cd-c418-430d-b150-b25de544754a/considerthis.png" width="40px" /> Consider whether a medication prescribed for one or more service-connected conditions includes hypertension as a potential side-effect to pursue a claim for hypertension.

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<aside> 📚 DBQ: Hypertension Secondary Service Connection

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<aside> ❤️ Hypertension: Rating Criteria

or

if the average diastolic pressure was 100 + before fully controlled by medication and

continuous medication is required to keep the blood pressure under control | 10% | | 200 + | 110 - 119 | 20% | | | 120 - 129 | 40% | | | 130 + | 60% | | | | |

<aside> ❤️ Systolic = top number

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<aside> ❤️ Diastolic = bottom number

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<aside> 📚 A rating under this code cannot be combined with a rating for the underlying condition that caused the high blood pressure. Only the code that allows for the highest rating can be used for the condition.

*A rating for high blood pressure can be used in addition to ratings for hypertensive heart disease and other heart diseases.

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