Isolated systolic hypertension exists when the systolic pressure is above which value while diastolic pressure remains below 90 mmHg?

Isolated systolic hypertension is characterized by a systolic blood pressure that is elevated while the diastolic blood pressure remains within normal limits, specifically below 90 mmHg. This condition is most commonly observed in older adults and is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

In this context, systolic pressure above 140 mmHg is commonly accepted as a threshold for diagnosing isolated systolic hypertension. This recognition stems from clinical guidelines which indicate that a systolic reading of 140 mmHg or greater, with the diastolic pressure remaining less than 90 mmHg, is indicative of this specific hypertension type. A systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher places increased stress on the arterial walls over time, which can lead to complications such as heart disease or stroke if left unmanaged.

The values below 140 mmHg, including those presented in other options, may indicate elevated blood pressure or stages of hypertension, but they do not meet the specific criteria for isolated systolic hypertension. Therefore, 140 mmHg is the benchmark for identifying this condition accurately.