Final answer:
The threshold for normal ambulatory blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, and hypertension is defined as readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Proper management of hypertension is critical to avoid severe health consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The threshold for ambulatory blood pressure, as provided by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, indicates that normal blood pressure (BP) is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension, a chronic condition of elevated blood pressure, is now defined as consistently having readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher. It is essential to manage hypertension as it can lead to serious health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.
Maintaining systolic blood pressure around 115 mm Hg, as opposed to 120 mm Hg, contributes to better long-term cardiovascular health. The typical blood pressure for a healthy young adult is 120 mm Hg systolic and 80 mm Hg diastolic, commonly expressed as 120/80. Systolic pressure indicates the maximum output of the heart, while diastolic pressure reflects the arterial elasticity in maintaining pressure between heartbeats.