What is considered a normal blood pressure reading for adults?

Prepare for Dunphy Primary Care Exam 3 with interactive quizzes, detailed explanations, and flashcards. Enhance your understanding and get ready to ace your exam!

A normal blood pressure reading for adults is defined as less than 120/80 mmHg, which is why this choice is correct. This guideline is based on the recommendations from various health organizations, including the American Heart Association. Normal blood pressure is crucial because it indicates that the heart is functioning well and that there is no excessive strain on the cardiovascular system. Maintaining a reading below this threshold is associated with a lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and other health complications.

The other values provided represent varying thresholds for elevated blood pressure and hypertension. A reading less than 130/80 mmHg indicates an elevated blood pressure, while less than 140/90 mmHg is the threshold for stage 1 hypertension. A reading lower than 110/70 mmHg falls into a category that may require clinical attention, as it could suggest hypotension in certain individuals. Understanding these distinctions is important for interpreting blood pressure measurements accurately in a clinical setting.

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