What is the normal adult blood pressure range (systolic/diastolic)?

• A. 100/70 to 140/90
• B. 80/50 to 120/80
• C. 90/60 to 120/80
• D. 60/40 to 90/60

Answer: (C)

Blood pressure has two numbers: systolic pressure, the force when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, the force when the heart rests between beats. For a healthy adult, the normal range is about 90/60 up to 120/80. This range fits typical readings that are high enough to supply organs properly but not so high as to indicate hypertension, and not so low that they could cause symptoms from inadequate blood flow. Values toward the lower end (around 90/60) are still normal, while readings approaching 120/80 sit at the upper limit of normal. Readings much higher, such as those in the 140/90 and beyond, are considered elevated, and readings much lower, like 60/40, could indicate hypotension. So the range 90/60 to 120/80 best represents normal adult blood pressure.