What is a normal diastolic blood pressure reading for an adult?

A normal diastolic blood pressure reading for an adult typically falls within the range of 60 to 80 mmHg, with 80 mmHg being a common benchmark for what is often considered optimal. Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats, allowing for the filling of the heart with blood. This reading is crucial for assessing overall cardiovascular health.

While the other options provide values that could still be deemed acceptable under certain circumstances, 80 mmHg represents a key point where readings higher can start indicating hypertension. Thus, 80 mmHg not only reflects a commonly accepted standard for normalcy but also helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. The distinction in diastolic pressure readings is essential since values lower than this may signify underactive blood pressure, while those substantially higher could denote potential health risks.