What is considered a significant factor in determining hypotension?

• A. Systolic blood pressure under 60 mmHg
• B. Systolic blood pressure under 90 mmHg
• C. Diastolic blood pressure under 60 mmHg
• D. Diastolic blood pressure under 90 mmHg

Answer: (B)

Hypotension is generally defined as an abnormally low blood pressure that can lead to inadequate blood flow to the organs. A systolic blood pressure reading under 90 mmHg is widely recognized in clinical guidelines as a threshold indicating hypotension. This measurement is significant because systolic blood pressure represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and is a critical indicator of the overall cardiovascular health of an individual.

When blood pressure falls below this level, it often signifies that the body's organs may not be receiving enough blood to function optimally, which can result in symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or shock in severe cases. The threshold of 90 mmHg helps health professionals assess when intervention may be necessary to treat potential underlying causes of low blood pressure and to ensure proper perfusion to vital organs.

In contrast, readings under 60 mmHg for systolic blood pressure typically indicate a more severe form of hypotension, but it is not the standard cutoff for determining hypotension as a clinical condition. Monitoring diastolic pressure can also provide vital information, but it is generally the systolic component that is used primarily when assessing for hypotension.