What is the standard range for systolic blood pressure in adults?

The standard range for systolic blood pressure in adults is generally considered to be between 90 mmHg and 120 mmHg. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and is a crucial indicator of cardiovascular health. Blood pressure readings are typically classified as follows:

• Normal: Systolic less than 120 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.

• Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg.

• Hypertension stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 mmHg or diastolic between 80-89 mmHg.

• Hypertension stage 2: Systolic 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic 90 mmHg or higher.

Understanding these ranges is essential for medical assistants as they help monitor the health of patients and can signal when medical intervention may be necessary. The other ranges provided do not align with standard medical guidelines for systolic blood pressure, thus underscoring why the range of 90-120 mmHg is recognized as the correct standard for adults.