What is the normal blood pressure target for a patient with hypertension?

• A. 140/90 mmHg
• B. 120/70 mmHg
• C. Less than 130/80 mmHg
• D. 150/90 mmHg

Answer: (C)

The goal in managing hypertension is to bring blood pressure down to a level that lowers cardiovascular risk. The recommended target is less than 130/80 mmHg for most patients with hypertension, because achieving this level has been shown to reduce the chances of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. A 120/70 reading is within the normal range but is not a treatment target for someone already diagnosed with hypertension. Aiming for 140/90 or 150/90 reflects older, less aggressive targets and would leave blood pressure above the current recommended goal for most patients. In practice, some individuals—such as older adults or those with multiple health issues—may have individualized targets after discussion with their clinician, but the standard target to aim for is below 130/80 mmHg.