MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 179: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 179

14. Hypertension (high blood pressure) can be diagnosed by having two or more blood pressure readings higher than 140/90 on two different occasions, separated by a week. Suppose that the criteria were changed to include anyone with a reading higher than 130/80 on at least one occasion. How would this change the prevalence of diagnosed hypertension in the population?

  • A. The prevalence would increase.
  • B. The prevalence would decrease.
  • C. The prevalence would remain the same.
  • D. There is not enough information to determine the change in prevalence.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

If the threshold for hypertension (high blood pressure) were lowered, more individuals would be fit the criteria for the disease. If the number of individuals with the disease increases and the population stays the same overall, there will be an increased prevalence of the disease.

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