What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is recorded as two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart beats) over diastolic (pressure when the heart rests). It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Understanding your blood pressure numbers — and how they change with age — is one of the most important things you can do for your long-term cardiovascular health.

Key Numbers: Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg for adults. However, what is considered optimal can vary slightly by age, activity level, and individual health profile.

Normal Blood Pressure Ranges: Adults

The American Heart Association (AHA) 2017 guidelines define the following blood pressure categories for adults aged 18 and above:

Normal: <120/<80 mmHg Elevated: 120–129/<80 mmHg Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139/80–89 mmHg Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥140/≥90 mmHg Hypertensive Crisis: >180/>120 mmHg (Emergency) Hypotension (Low BP): <90/<60 mmHg

Blood Pressure Chart by Age Group

Blood pressure naturally rises with age as arteries gradually stiffen. The following ranges represent typical (average) blood pressure readings by age group — not necessarily the ideal targets:

Age 18–29: Normal: 119/70 | Elevated concern: 130+/80+ Age 30–39: Normal: 122/71 | Elevated concern: 130+/80+ Age 40–49: Normal: 125/83 | Elevated concern: 135+/85+ Age 50–59: Normal: 129/85 | Elevated concern: 140+/90+ Age 60–69: Normal: 134/87 | Elevated concern: 145+/90+ Age 70+: Normal: 135/88 | Elevated concern: 150+/90+

Important: These are population averages, not clinical targets. The AHA recommends maintaining blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg for all adults regardless of age to minimize cardiovascular risk. Slightly higher readings in older adults may be acceptable depending on individual circumstances — always discuss targets with your doctor.

46%US adults have hypertension
75%of adults 65+ have hypertension
<120/80Optimal BP for all adults
1 in 3adults unaware of their BP

Blood Pressure in Seniors (Age 65+)

Managing blood pressure in older adults is more complex than in younger individuals. While the AHA target of below 130/80 mmHg applies generally, several unique factors affect seniors:

  • Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH): Common in adults over 60. The systolic number rises (due to arterial stiffening) while diastolic remains normal or even falls. A systolic above 140 with normal diastolic still requires treatment.
  • Orthostatic Hypotension: Blood pressure drops suddenly when standing up, causing dizziness or fainting. Affects up to 30% of seniors. Can increase fall risk significantly.
  • Frailty consideration: For very elderly or frail patients, less aggressive BP targets (below 150/90 mmHg) may be appropriate to avoid falls and adverse medication effects.
  • The J-curve phenomenon: Some research suggests that in older adults with coronary artery disease, very low diastolic pressures (below 65 mmHg) may increase cardiac risk — making the target range somewhat higher than in younger adults.

Normal Blood Pressure for Children and Teenagers

Children's blood pressure is assessed differently — it must be compared to age, sex, and height percentiles. A child's BP is considered elevated if it falls at or above the 90th percentile for their demographic group. Rough normal ranges:

Newborn (0–1 month): 60–90/30–60 mmHg Infant (1–12 months): 70–100/50–65 mmHg Toddler (1–5 years): 80–110/50–80 mmHg Child (6–12 years): 85–120/55–80 mmHg Teenager (13–18): 95–140/60–90 mmHg

Childhood hypertension is increasingly common due to rising obesity rates. It is defined as blood pressure at or above the 95th percentile for age, sex, and height on three separate occasions. Early detection is important as childhood hypertension significantly increases lifetime cardiovascular risk.

High Blood Pressure vs Low Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

Hypertension is the leading modifiable risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. It rarely causes symptoms — earning the name "silent killer." Risk factors include age, family history, obesity, high sodium diet, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol, chronic stress, and conditions like diabetes and sleep apnea.

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg is considered low. It can cause dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, weakness, and confusion. Common causes include dehydration, blood loss, heart conditions, endocrine disorders, severe infection (sepsis), and medications (particularly antihypertensives, diuretics, antidepressants). Chronically low blood pressure without symptoms often requires no treatment.

When to Be Concerned About Your Blood Pressure

Seek immediate emergency care if: Your reading exceeds 180/120 mmHg, especially with symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, vision changes, back pain, numbness, or difficulty speaking. This is a hypertensive crisis — call 911 immediately.

See your doctor promptly if you have two or more readings above 130/80 mmHg taken on separate days. Home monitoring over several days gives a more accurate picture than a single clinic reading. The AHA recommends all adults know their blood pressure numbers and have it checked at least once per year, more frequently if risk factors are present.