What term describes a blood pressure reading of 90 mm Hg systolic and 50 mm Hg diastolic?

The term that accurately describes a blood pressure reading of 90 mm Hg systolic and 50 mm Hg diastolic is hypotension. This condition is characterized by blood pressure that is significantly lower than the normal range, which is generally considered to be around 120/80 mm Hg. When systolic pressure falls below 90 mm Hg or diastolic pressure is below 60 mm Hg, it indicates hypotension, which can lead to insufficient blood flow to organs and potential symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or shock.

Elevated blood pressure readings, such as those seen in hypertension, indicate high blood pressure, which is not applicable in this case. Normotension refers to normal blood pressure levels, while prehypertension describes slightly elevated blood pressure that hasn’t reached the level of hypertension. Thus, the reading provided clearly falls within the category of hypotension, as it denotes a state of abnormally low blood pressure.