What is the measurement for hypotension?

Hypotension is generally defined by a systolic blood pressure measurement that falls below a certain threshold, indicating insufficient blood flow to the organs. A systolic reading below 90 mm Hg is commonly accepted as a standard for diagnosing hypotension. This measurement indicates that the heart is not generating enough pressure during its contraction phase to ensure adequate perfusion across the body's tissues. If blood pressure drops too low, it can lead to complications such as dizziness, fainting, or shock.

While some considerations suggest systolic pressures below 80 mm Hg may reflect severe hypotension or shock, the broader clinical standard recognizes a systolic pressure below 90 mm Hg as a suitable marker for hypotensive conditions. This definition helps guide clinical responses, including the need for further assessment and potential interventions to stabilize the patient's blood pressure. The other options do not accurately represent the standard definition for hypotension in the context of systolic blood pressure measurements.