According to the stages of hypertension, which blood pressure reading is categorized as elevated?

The correct blood pressure reading categorized as elevated is 130/85 mm Hg. According to the guidelines from the American Heart Association, elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic reading between 120-129 mm Hg and a diastolic reading less than 80 mm Hg.

In this context, the reading of 130/85 mm Hg falls into the stage of high blood pressure. The systolic pressure of 130 mm Hg indicates that it exceeds the threshold for elevated blood pressure, while the diastolic pressure of 85 mm Hg indicates stage one hypertension since it is above 80 mm Hg.

The reading of 120/80 mm Hg is actually considered normal blood pressure. The reading of 128/78 mm Hg is categorized as elevated but does not reach the stage one hypertension level, making it less significant than the selected reading. Lastly, 140/90 mm Hg signifies stage two hypertension due to both systolic and diastolic pressures being elevated. Thus, the reading of 130/85 mm Hg represents a key transition point into stage one hypertension and highlights the importance of monitoring and managing blood pressure in this category.