Which of the following data cannot support a diagnosis of hypertension?

In the context of diagnosing hypertension, blood pressure readings are the primary tool used to confirm the presence of the condition, as they directly measure the force of blood against the artery walls. Without these readings, it becomes impossible to establish a diagnosis based on hypertension, which is defined by specific blood pressure thresholds.

The patient's medical history can provide valuable information regarding their background, lifestyle, and any previous cardiovascular issues, which can all be relevant to understanding their risk factors for hypertension. Similarly, an electrocardiogram (ECG) may help identify heart complications that can arise from untreated hypertension, such as left ventricular hypertrophy.

In contrast, while a chest x-ray can provide important insights into the overall health of the heart and lungs, it does not directly measure blood pressure or assess the condition of the arteries. Therefore, it cannot be relied upon as an indicator to support a diagnosis of hypertension. This distinction reinforces why the chest x-ray does not have a direct role in confirming hypertension compared to other options that provide more pertinent data regarding blood pressure levels.