What is the target blood pressure category for most adults with hypertension under contemporary guidelines?

• A. Below 140/90 mmHg
• B. Below 130/80 mmHg
• C. Below 120/70 mmHg
• D. Below 135/85 mmHg

Answer: (B)

Lowering blood pressure to below 130/80 mmHg is the target for most adults with hypertension under current guidelines. This tighter goal is chosen because evidence shows that achieving this level reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and other cardiovascular events compared with higher targets. In practice, clinicians pursue this with a combination of lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medications, adjusting based on the patient’s tolerance and other health conditions. Some older adults or those with frailty may require a less aggressive target to avoid adverse effects, so targets are individualized while still aiming for meaningful cardiovascular risk reduction.