What is considered normal blood pressure?

Normal blood pressure is generally defined as a reading of around 120/80 mmHg. This measurement is recognized as the benchmark for optimal cardiovascular health. The first number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, while the second number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

A reading of 120/80 mmHg indicates a healthy balance between systolic and diastolic pressures. Readings consistently below this, while they might be deemed safe, could signify low blood pressure, and readings above can indicate prehypertension or hypertension, which are associated with increased health risks. Therefore, a blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is widely accepted as the ideal target for adults, making this option the correct response in the context of identifying what is considered normal blood pressure.