Final answer:
The optimal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mm Hg, according to new guidelines. Maintaining blood pressure within the optimal range is crucial for cardiovascular health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The optimal blood pressure (BP) reading is below 120/80 mm Hg, according to the new guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: the systolic pressure over the diastolic pressure.
The systolic pressure is the pressure on the blood vessels when the heart beats, while the diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.
Keeping blood pressure within the optimal range is important for maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
It is recommended that blood pressure be monitored regularly and that treatment plans be followed to manage hypertension effectively.