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Multiple Choice

Which blood pressure category is defined as systolic 120-129 and diastolic <80?

Blood pressure categories are defined by how the systolic and diastolic numbers combine to reflect cardiovascular risk. A systolic reading of 120–129 with a diastolic reading under 80 fits the elevated category. It’s higher than normal but not high enough to be called hypertension, so the signal is to monitor and potentially adopt lifestyle changes rather than start medication. Normal would be under 120/80. Stage 1 hypertension would be 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic, and Stage 2 would be 140/90 or higher. So this specific range best matches elevated because it marks the first step above normal without meeting the thresholds for hypertension.

Blood pressure categories are defined by how the systolic and diastolic numbers combine to reflect cardiovascular risk. A systolic reading of 120–129 with a diastolic reading under 80 fits the elevated category. It’s higher than normal but not high enough to be called hypertension, so the signal is to monitor and potentially adopt lifestyle changes rather than start medication. Normal would be under 120/80. Stage 1 hypertension would be 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic, and Stage 2 would be 140/90 or higher. So this specific range best matches elevated because it marks the first step above normal without meeting the thresholds for hypertension.