Final answer:
The calculated pulse pressure (45 mm Hg) is normal, while the mean arterial pressure (100 mm Hg) is slightly elevated. Blood pressure readings exceeding 130/80 mm Hg may indicate prehypertension or stage 1 hypertension. A reading of 166/100 mm Hg is considered stage 2 hypertension and warrants prompt medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the patient's pulse pressure (PP), you subtract the diastolic pressure from the systolic pressure. In this case, the calculation would be 130 mm Hg (systolic) - 85 mm Hg (diastolic) to get a PP of 45 mm Hg. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is estimated with the formula MAP = Diastolic Pressure + (Pulse Pressure/3). Applying this formula, MAP = 85 + (45/3) which results in a MAP of approximately 100 mm Hg.
Based on guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, a normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg, elevated blood pressure is 120-129/<80 mm Hg and stage 1 hypertension is defined by readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. A blood pressure of 130/85 mm Hg is considered high normal or prehypertension according to these guidelines. However, some medical references categorize it as stage 1 hypertension. The PP of 45 mm Hg is considered normal, as normal range is 30-50 mm Hg. The MAP of 100 mm Hg is slightly higher than the normal range, which typically falls between 70-100 mm Hg.
A blood pressure reading of 166/100 mm Hg is concerning and is classified as stage 2 hypertension. Immediate medical follow-up is advised, as sustained readings at this level increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.