A blood pressure reading of 130/85 mmHg would be categorized as what?

• A. Normal BP
• B. Prehypertension
• C. Hypertension
• D. Obesity

Answer: (B)

Understanding how blood pressure is categorized helps interpret what a reading means for risk and action. Under older guidelines, normal is below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic. Readings in the range of 120–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic are labeled prehypertension, indicating higher cardiovascular risk but not yet hypertension. A reading of 130/85 fits this range, so it is categorized as prehypertension. This means it’s not normal, and it signals the need to monitor and consider lifestyle changes to prevent progression. Note that obesity isn’t a blood pressure category; it’s a separate risk factor that can influence BP. (Be aware that newer guidelines shift these thresholds, but within this context, 130/85 is prehypertension.)