Final answer:
Ricky has prehypertension because his blood pressure readings of 128/88 mm Hg fall within the prehypertension range of 120-139/80-89 mm Hg as per American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ricky has prehypertension, because his blood pressure readings are consistently around option A. 128/88 mm Hg. According to the guidelines provided by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, prehypertension is defined as a systolic blood pressure between 120-139 mm Hg and a diastolic blood pressure between 80 mm Hg and 89 mm Hg. Therefore, Ricky's blood pressure of 128/88 mm Hg fits within the range of prehypertension, indicating that his blood pressure is elevated above normal but not yet in the range of hypertension which is defined as 140/90 mm Hg or above.
The consequences of untreated persistent elevated blood pressure, such as hypertension, can be severe, leading to health problems including heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure.