Hypertension is defined as resting blood pressure at or above which level?

Hypertension is defined as resting blood pressure at or above which level?

• A. 140/90 mmHg
• B. 120/80 mmHg
• C. 160/100 mmHg
• D. 130/85 mmHg

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is the threshold that defines hypertension on a resting blood pressure measurement. Hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is at least 140 mmHg or the diastolic pressure is at least 90 mmHg on a resting reading, meaning either number meeting or exceeding those values qualifies as hypertension. This level marks the point where cardiovascular risk begins to increase more noticeably, separating normal and elevated ranges from true hypertension. Normal blood pressure is typically below 120/80 mmHg, while values like 120-129/<80 are considered elevated, and readings at or above 140/90 have historically defined hypertension in many guidelines. The other options fall outside this conventional threshold: 120/80 is normal, 160/100 indicates hypertension but is not the defining cutpoint, and 130/85 would be classified differently in newer guidelines.

The main idea here is the threshold that defines hypertension on a resting blood pressure measurement. Hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is at least 140 mmHg or the diastolic pressure is at least 90 mmHg on a resting reading, meaning either number meeting or exceeding those values qualifies as hypertension. This level marks the point where cardiovascular risk begins to increase more noticeably, separating normal and elevated ranges from true hypertension. Normal blood pressure is typically below 120/80 mmHg, while values like 120-129/<80 are considered elevated, and readings at or above 140/90 have historically defined hypertension in many guidelines. The other options fall outside this conventional threshold: 120/80 is normal, 160/100 indicates hypertension but is not the defining cutpoint, and 130/85 would be classified differently in newer guidelines.