What is hypotension?

Hypotension is described as blood pressure that is below a certain threshold, which is generally accepted as 90/60 mmHg. When blood pressure falls below these values, it may lead to insufficient blood flow to the organs and could result in symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or fatigue. This condition can be significant, as it may indicate an underlying health issue or an adverse reaction to medications, among other causes.

Understanding the other options provides context as to why they do not represent hypotension. Blood pressure above 120/80 is categorized as normal or even elevated, depending on the specific values. A normal blood pressure range encompasses values considered healthy and does not indicate hypotension. High blood pressure, defined as readings over 140/90, is distinctly recognized as hypertension, which is the opposite of hypotension. Thus, the defining characteristic of hypotension is indeed blood pressure readings below 90/60.