What blood pressure reading indicates hypertension?

A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg indicates hypertension because it falls within the established guidelines for diagnosing high blood pressure. According to the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines, hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or higher.

In this case, the systolic measurement of 140 mmHg exceeds the threshold of 130 mmHg, while the diastolic measurement of 90 mmHg meets the threshold of 80 mmHg, confirming that this reading is categorized as hypertension. Recognizing these specific cutoffs is essential for identifying individuals who may be at risk for cardiovascular diseases and who may benefit from lifestyle modifications or pharmacological treatment to lower their blood pressure.

Other blood pressure readings provided do not meet the criteria for hypertension. For instance, a reading of 110/70 mmHg is considered normal, while 130/85 mmHg is classified as elevated but not yet in the hypertensive range. A reading of 120/80 mmHg is also within the normal range. Understanding these guidelines helps health professionals accurately assess and manage patient blood pressure.