Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What is indicated when a patient has a diastolic blood pressure reading of 81?

1. Normal blood pressure

2. Prehypertension

3. Hypertension Stage 1

4. Hypertension Stage 2

The correct answer is: Prehypertension

A diastolic blood pressure reading of 81 mmHg falls into the category of prehypertension. The American Heart Association defines prehypertension as a diastolic reading between 80 and 89 mmHg. This range indicates that the individual does not have normal blood pressure but is also not yet in the hypertension stage. Understanding blood pressure categories is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Normal blood pressure is typically defined as below 80 mmHg diastolic. Stage 1 hypertension starts at a diastolic reading of 80 mmHg but is accompanied by systolic readings between 130 and 139 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension is characterized by higher readings, placing these values into more critical health risk categories. Thus, the reading of 81 mmHg is significant for monitoring and indicates potential health risks, justifying its classification as prehypertension.