Final answer:
Hypertension is defined as a chronic and persistent blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or above. The correct definition in the provided options is B. systolic pressure > 140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure > 90 mm Hg.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient had multiple BP readings indicating hypertension. Hypertension is defined according to new guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. As of the updated guidelines in 2017, a normal blood pressure (BP) is less than 120/80 mm Hg, while hypertension is defined as a sustained blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or above. Blood pres
sure measurements between 120/80 and 140/90 mm Hg are considered prehypertension or elevated blood pressure. Therefore the correct answer to the question 'How is hypertension defined?' is: B. systolic pressure > 140 mm Hg or diastolic pressure > 90 mm Hg. Hypertension is typically a silent disorder, meaning patients may not notice symptoms until significant health issues occur such as heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease or heart failure. It is crucial for hypertensive patients to adhere to their treatment plans to prevent such complications.