The typical adult blood pressure range is often summarized as:

• A. 100/70 mm Hg
• B. 110/90 mm Hg
• C. 80/60 mm Hg
• D. 120/80 mm Hg

Answer: (D)

Blood pressure is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure over diastolic pressure, measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The systolic value is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and the diastolic value is the pressure when the heart rests between beats. For adults, 120/80 mm Hg is the value most often cited as normal or ideal because it reflects a healthy balance between adequate blood flow and not placing excessive strain on the arterial system. The systolic about 120 indicates the peak pressure during contraction, while the diastolic about 80 represents the resting pressure between contractions. Other options either lower or raise one of the numbers beyond the commonly cited normal range, which is why 120/80 mm Hg is the best answer.