Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

A person's blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg would classify them as what?

1. Optimal

2. Normal

3. Having high normal blood pressure

4. Having hypertension

The correct answer is: Having hypertension

A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg is classified as hypertension. According to established guidelines for blood pressure, hypertension is typically defined as having a systolic pressure (the first number) of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure (the second number) of 80 mm Hg or higher. In this case, both the systolic and diastolic readings exceed these thresholds, confirming that the individual falls into the hypertension category. The classification of blood pressure is crucial for determining the risk of cardiovascular disease and initiating appropriate interventions. Recognizing the importance of early identification and management of hypertension helps in preventing complications such as heart attack or stroke. Other classifications do not apply here since 'optimal' and 'normal' refer to lower ranges of blood pressure, while 'high normal blood pressure' pertains to readings that are still below the hypertension threshold. The standards for these categories indicate that blood pressure should be below 120/80 mm Hg for optimal health, and anything above that gradually progresses into the hypertension classification.