For CAP mortality risk factors, which option is most clearly a risk factor?

For CAP mortality risk factors, which option is most clearly a risk factor?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Normal blood pressure
• C. Young age
• D. Limited comorbidity

Answer: (A)

Low blood pressure in community-acquired pneumonia signals severe disease with potential organ hypoperfusion, which is a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality. This is reflected in common severity tools like CURB-65, where hypotension is defined as systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or diastolic ≤60 mmHg and indicates higher risk. By contrast, normal blood pressure, younger age, and fewer comorbidities are associated with lower risk, not mortality risk. Therefore, hypotension is the clearest risk factor for mortality among these options.

Low blood pressure in community-acquired pneumonia signals severe disease with potential organ hypoperfusion, which is a strong predictor of in-hospital mortality. This is reflected in common severity tools like CURB-65, where hypotension is defined as systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or diastolic ≤60 mmHg and indicates higher risk. By contrast, normal blood pressure, younger age, and fewer comorbidities are associated with lower risk, not mortality risk. Therefore, hypotension is the clearest risk factor for mortality among these options.