What Is Normal Blood Pressure by Age? Doctors Reveal Safe Readings + Warning Signs Its Too High
Plus, learn why women's readings tend to increase over time more so than men's
Checking your blood pressure at home or a local pharmacy can be an effective way to stay proactive about your heart health. However, when you’re not receiving readings in the presence of a doctor, it may be challenging to make sense of your numbers, especially if you’re unsure of your ideal range. So, what is a normal blood pressure reading by age? Here, experts offer guidance on what’s generally considered healthy and when you should talk to your doctor.
Updated blood pressure guidelines explained
Before learning what a healthy range is, it helps to understand what blood pressure monitors are actually reading. Your blood pressure is the force of blood moving through your arteries, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The top number, your systolic blood pressure, measures the force on your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number, your diastolic blood pressure, measures the force when your heart is at rest between beats.
Blood pressure chart
In 2017, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology updated its blood pressure guidelines to apply to all adults rather than differentiating by age group, explains Mia Kazanjian MD, Stanford-trained radiologist. The latest blood pressure chart parameters are as follows:
Woman's World Answers
| Systolic (top number) | Diastolic (bottom number) | |
| Normal | Less than 120 mmHg | Less than 80 mmHg |
| Elevated | 120 to 129 mmHg | Less than 80 mmHg |
| Hypertension stage 1 | 130 to 139 mmHg | 80 to 89 mmHg |
| Hypertension stage 2 | 140 mmHg or higher | 90 mmHg or higher |
Low blood pressure is not as set in stone, notes Dr. Kazanjian. Typically, < 90/60 mmHg is generally accepted, but some people normally live at lower blood pressures, she says.
What do blood pressure numbers really mean?
Low blood pressure may indicate reduced blood flow to organs and cause dizziness or fainting, explains Swapnil Patel, MD, Vice Chairman, Department of Medicine at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Elevated numbers are a risk factor for elevated hypertension and call for lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise and weight loss.
Elevated readings can also signal a heightened risk for health problems such as heart disease, vascular disease, kidney problems and more, says Anahita Dua, MD, Vascular Surgeon, Massachusetts General Hospital, Society for Vascular Surgery Member.
“When blood pushes against artery walls for too long, it can incite damage, further increasing the possibility of serious complications like heart attack, heart failure or stroke,” she cautions.
Normal blood pressure chart by age: What women need to know
It is important to note that the average blood pressures change with age, says Dr. Kazanjian. Additionally, women are at higher risk of high blood pressure than men after the age of 65, which is reflected in higher average ranges, she explains. This is mainly because as women age, particularly after menopause, blood vessels naturally become stiffer and blood pressure tends to rise, says Dr. Patel.
Blood pressure chart by age for women:
| Average blood pressure for women | |
| Ages 40-59 | In the 120s/70s mmHg |
| Ages 60+ | 133/69 mmHg, which Dr. Kazanjian says is still considered high |
“In general, even though that number is considered high according to the guidelines, doctors have to balance treatment with other conditions and medication side effects,” she says. “Sometimes, people will end up at slightly higher blood pressure numbers as their doctors seek to manage other conditions.”
So, it may not always be possible or even optimal to maintain healthy blood pressure numbers under 120/80 mmHg in older people with multiple health conditions, as overly-aggressive blood pressure control can cause problems if someone has been living with high numbers for some time, explains Dr. Kazanjian.
For additional information on normal ranges for men and women of all ages, take a look at this extensive blood pressure chart.
When to see a doctor about your blood pressure
If you’re obtaining blood pressure readings by yourself, results can be inaccurate. (Find out how to ensure you’re taking your blood pressure correctly here.) In most cases, consistently abnormal blood pressure readings should be addressed by your doctor.
“Depending on what stage of elevated readings you have, the urgency of seeing a doctor will vary,” explains Dr. Dua. “As a rule of thumb, if your blood pressure reads over systolic 130-139 and diastolic 80-90, you should get in touch with a doctor as soon as possible to help bring the numbers down.”
There are also instances where a high reading may warrant immediate attention for both high and low blood pressure. If your systolic is over 180 or diastolic over 120, this is a hypertensive crisis and necessitates emergency medical care, explains Dr. Kazanjian.
If left untreated, this can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening episodes. Symptoms of hypertensive crisis may include blurred vision, chest pain, confusion, nausea and vomiting, not responding to stimulation (unresponsiveness), seizures, severe headache or shortness of breath.
Low blood pressure can also necessitate emergency medical attention, notes Dr. Kazanjian. This can happen due to dehydration, bleeding from trauma, allergic reactions, infections and medication side effects, among other acute incidents. If left untreated, this can lead to shock and low to no organ function.
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