Which condition is indicated by a systolic pressure below 90 mmHg?

Prepare for the Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Exam with multiple-choice questions, flashcards, and explanations. Study effectively and enhance your medical assistant skills for success on the CMAC certification.

Systolic pressure below 90 mmHg is indicative of hypotension, which is defined as abnormally low blood pressure. This condition can lead to inadequate blood flow to the organs, potentially causing symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and shock in severe cases. Hypotension can be caused by various factors, including dehydration, blood loss, certain medications, or heart problems, and it signals that the heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

Conditions like hypertension, heart attack, and arrhythmia indicate different cardiovascular issues. Hypertension refers to high blood pressure, which is characterized by readings above 130/80 mmHg. A heart attack typically involves a blockage in blood flow to the heart muscle and is not directly represented by low systolic pressure, though it can affect overall blood pressure. Arrhythmia denotes an irregular heartbeat and can influence blood pressure, but does not specifically relate to the measurement of systolic pressure being below 90 mmHg. Therefore, the correct identification of a systolic pressure below 90 mmHg is hypotension.

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