What defines hypertension?

Hypertension is defined as high blood pressure, specifically characterized by readings that are consistently greater than 140/90 mmHg. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed with two numbers: the systolic blood pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) over the diastolic blood pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats). A reading above 140/90 is indicative of hypertension, which can lead to serious health complications if left untreated, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Normal blood pressure falls within the range of about 90/60 to 120/80 mmHg. Readings below 90/60 denote low blood pressure, which may lead to symptoms such as dizziness or fainting but is not classified as hypertension. Consequently, options describing low blood pressure, normal blood pressure, or a specific normal range do not meet the definition of hypertension. This is why recognizing the threshold of 140/90 mmHg is crucial for understanding and diagnosing hypertension.