Which statement best defines normal blood pressure in adults?

• A. Less than 120/80 mmHg
• B. Less than 130/85 mmHg
• C. 120-129 mmHg with diastolic under 80 mmHg
• D. 130-139 mmHg or 80-89 mmHg

Answer: (A)

Normal blood pressure in adults is when the systolic pressure is less than 120 mmHg and the diastolic pressure is less than 80 mmHg. This threshold is associated with the lowest cardiovascular risk. Values above this enter elevated or hypertensive ranges (for example, 120–129 with a diastolic under 80 is elevated, 130–139 or 80–89 is stage 1 hypertension, and 140+ or 90+ is stage 2). So, the statement less than 120/80 best defines normal. Remember, a single reading can vary, so clinicians usually rely on an average from multiple measurements on different occasions.