Final answer:
Hypertension is diagnosed based on an average of at least two blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg or above, taken on multiple clinic visits, with newer guidelines suggesting a threshold of 130/80 mm Hg for treatment consideration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diagnosis of hypertension is based on the average of at least two blood pressure measurements taken on at least two sequential clinic visits. Hypertension is identified when chronic and persistent blood pressure measurements are 140/90 mm Hg or above.
However, new guidelines suggest that treatment should be considered at 130/80 mm Hg. It's important to note that blood pressure readings can be affected by various factors, including stress and time of day, and may require multiple measurements over time to ensure accuracy. Measuring blood pressure is simple and painless using a sphygmomanometer, and digital blood pressure monitors can also provide valuable data for diagnostics at home.