Normal blood pressure is best described as which of the following?

• A. Below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic
• B. 120-139 systolic and 80-89 diastolic
• C. Systolic 140-159 and diastolic 90-99
• D. Systolic 160 or higher and diastolic 110 or higher

Answer: (A)

Normal blood pressure means the pressure in the arteries stays within a healthy range during both heartbeats and resting periods. The systolic value (the top number) should be under 120, and the diastolic value (the bottom number) should be under 80. When both of these stay in this range, the vessels aren’t under excessive force, which reduces risk for heart disease and stroke and allows safer participation in rehabilitation activities.

If systolic pressure rises to 120–139 or diastolic rises to 80–89, that’s considered higher than normal and is often labeled elevated or prehypertension, signaling that lifestyle changes and closer monitoring may be needed. Systolic 140–159 or diastolic 90–99 falls into hypertension stage 1, and 160+ systolic or 110+ diastolic is stage 2 hypertension. These higher ranges reflect greater cardiovascular risk and influence treatment decisions.

Blood pressure can vary with activity, stress, time of day, and measurement technique, so a single reading isn’t enough for a diagnosis. Multiple readings on separate occasions are typically used.