KAPLAN MCAT PRACTICE PROBLEM

QUESTION

Hypertension (high blood pressure) can be diagnosed by having two or more blood pressure readings higher than 140/90 on two difference 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.

THINK YOU’RE READY FOR TEST DAY?

Find out with this fun and FREE way to tackle practice MCAT questions from Kaplan Test Prep. Register to receive one sample question a day for the next three months. You’ll get:

• A new MCAT-style question each day to test your knowledge and skills • Complete explanations and expert strategies with every question • Compete against your friends to see who’s really ready for test day

To get started go to: https://www.kaptest.com/mcat/mcat-practice/free-mcat-practice-question-a-day

A. If the threshold for hypertension (high blood pressure) were lowered, more individ- uals would 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 preva- lence of the disease.

ANSWER