Final answer:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is defined as persistently elevated blood pressure measurements of 140/90 mm Hg or above. The latest guidelines classify readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher as hypertension and recommend treatment. Control of hypertension is vital to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, particularly stroke.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is defined as persistently elevated blood pressure measurements of 140/90 mm Hg or above. Blood pressure readings below 120/80 mm Hg are considered normal. The latest American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for hypertension state that blood pressure readings between 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic are classified as elevated blood pressure, while readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher are classified as hypertension and should be treated. It is important to control hypertension through lifestyle changes or medications to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially stroke.