Which of the following blood pressure readings would classify an individual as having stage 1 hypertension?

To determine if an individual has stage 1 hypertension, one must refer to the guidelines set by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). Stage 1 hypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure (the top number) ranging from 130 to 139 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) ranging from 80 to 89 mm Hg.

In this context, the blood pressure reading of 135/80 mm Hg falls right into the stage 1 hypertension category because the systolic value is 135 mm Hg, which is within the designated range. The diastolic value of 80 mm Hg is at the threshold for stage 1 hypertension but still qualifies under the guidelines.

This classification is crucial for guiding treatment options and lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Understanding how to interpret these readings is fundamental for healthcare providers and fitness professionals when assessing the health status of individuals.