What is the standard normal adult blood pressure?

• A. About 140/90 mmHg
• B. About 110/70 mmHg
• C. About 130/85 mmHg
• D. About 120/80 mmHg or lower

Answer: (D)

Normal adult blood pressure is about 120/80 mmHg or lower. Blood pressure has two numbers: systolic, the pressure during heartbeats, and diastolic, the pressure when the heart rests between beats. The standard normal range is systolic under 120 and diastolic under 80, so 120/80 is the upper limit of normal and anything at or below fits the normal category. Readings higher than this start moving into elevated or hypertension ranges (for example, 140/90 is generally considered hypertension). While a value like 110/70 is also normal, the benchmark most commonly used to define normal is 120/80 or lower, which is why that option is the best answer. Keep in mind that individual readings can vary with activity, stress, and time of day, but the goal in healthy adults is to stay at or below 120/80.