What constitutes the resting diastolic blood pressure for hypertension risk?

Resting diastolic blood pressure is an important measurement in assessing hypertension risk. The threshold for diastolic blood pressure to be considered high and thus indicative of a greater risk for hypertension is 90 mm Hg and above. The American Heart Association defines hypertension as a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher, which includes consideration of both systolic and diastolic values.

In this context, a diastolic blood pressure reading of 90 mm Hg is a key marker because it indicates that the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest is higher than normal. Chronic elevation of diastolic blood pressure can lead to various cardiovascular problems, making this measurement significant in risk assessment.

Understanding the cutoffs is vital for both diagnosis and management of hypertension, as effective interventions can be implemented at these critical levels to reduce potential health risks.