Which of the following defines hypertension?

Which of the following defines hypertension?

• A. Systolic BP > 140 mmHg and Diastolic BP > 90 mmHg
• B. Diastolic BP < 60 mmHg
• C. Systolic BP > 140 mmHg or Diastolic BP > 90 mmHg
• D. Pulse rate above 100 bpm

Answer: (C)

Blood pressure has two numbers: systolic (pressure during a heartbeat) and diastolic (pressure between beats). Hypertension is defined when either value reaches or exceeds its threshold—systolic 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic 90 mmHg or higher—based on repeated measurements. The key point is that an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic alone qualifies as hypertension, not necessarily both at the same time. This reflects how each number independently contributes to cardiovascular risk. The first option would require both numbers to be elevated, which isn’t how hypertension is defined. The other options describe a low diastolic pressure or a high pulse rate, neither of which define hypertension.

Blood pressure has two numbers: systolic (pressure during a heartbeat) and diastolic (pressure between beats). Hypertension is defined when either value reaches or exceeds its threshold—systolic 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic 90 mmHg or higher—based on repeated measurements. The key point is that an elevated systolic or an elevated diastolic alone qualifies as hypertension, not necessarily both at the same time. This reflects how each number independently contributes to cardiovascular risk.

The first option would require both numbers to be elevated, which isn’t how hypertension is defined. The other options describe a low diastolic pressure or a high pulse rate, neither of which define hypertension.