ACE Personal Trainer Practice Exam

A systolic blood pressure of greater than or equal to 140 mmHg is indeed a positive risk factor for hypertension. According to established guidelines, hypertension is categorized as having a systolic blood pressure at or above this threshold. This classification helps identify individuals who may be at increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other health issues related to elevated blood pressure.

Monitoring systolic blood pressure is crucial since it reflects the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart. Values at or above 140 indicate that the heart is exerting more force to pump blood than what is considered normal, which may necessitate lifestyle changes or medical intervention to reduce the risk of complications associated with hypertension.

The other values indicated in the options, while they may signify elevated blood pressure, do not align with the classification of hypertension as definitively as 140 mmHg does, as they fall within the categories of elevated or stage 1 hypertension rather than diagnosing hypertension itself.