What is the normal blood pressure reading for a healthy adult?

A normal blood pressure reading for a healthy adult is widely recognized as being around 120/80 mmHg. This value is considered the standard benchmark for optimal cardiovascular health, indicating that the systolic pressure (the first number, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) is 120 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure (the second number, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats) is 80 mmHg.

Maintaining blood pressure within this range is essential because higher readings can indicate hypertension, which poses risks for cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, while significantly lower readings could suggest hypotension, which can cause dizziness and fainting. Thus, the choice representing 120/80 mmHg not only embodies the normal range but also reflects the goal for optimal health and the prevention of hypertension-related complications.