What is considered a normal blood pressure reading?

A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg is recognized as the standard for normal blood pressure levels. This reading indicates that the systolic pressure, which is the first number and measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, is 120 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure, the second number that measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats, is 80 mmHg.

Health organizations, such as the American Heart Association, consider this value as the benchmark for normal blood pressure, commonly referred to as "ideal" or "optimal". Maintaining blood pressure around this level is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and other health complications.

Other options present various blood pressure readings that either fall into different categories of elevated blood pressure or indicate hypertension, particularly the last two options which are above the 130/80 mmHg threshold that defines high blood pressure. Thus, while 110/70 mmHg is within a normal range, it is considered more ideal for younger individuals. The reading of 130/85 mmHg is regarded as elevated, and 140/90 mmHg is classified as stage 1 hypertension.