What defines hypertension?

Hypertension is typically defined by blood pressure readings that consistently exceed normal values. The standard classification distinguishes elevated blood pressure into various categories. For adults, a reading greater than 140/90 mmHg is recognized as hypertension. This threshold helps identify individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and necessitates assessment and potential intervention.

A reading above 130/80 can indicate elevated blood pressure but does not necessarily classify someone as having hypertension; therefore, it is not the defining criterion for this condition. The other options outline either normal ranges or stages of elevated blood pressure, emphasizing the importance of using the specific guideline that recognizes hypertension as greater than 140/90 mmHg.