Which reading defines Stage 1 hypertension?

• A. Above 120/80
• B. Above 140/90
• C. Below 90/60
• D. Above 160/100

Answer: (B)

Understanding how blood pressure is categorized helps you see why this threshold fits Stage 1. In many standard classifications, Stage 1 hypertension is defined when the systolic reading is in the 140s or the diastolic reading is in the 90s. Put simply, a measurement of 140/90 or higher places you in Stage 1 because either value meets or exceeds those cutoffs. Readings at or above 160/100 move into Stage 2. So, the option describing “above 140/90” best matches the Stage 1 boundary.

A couple of quick notes for context: a reading like 120/80 is not hypertension, it’s considered normal or prehypertension depending on the guide. A reading below 90/60 is hypotension. And in practice, hypertension is diagnosed based on elevated readings on multiple occasions, not a single measurement.