For most people, the following is a guide.
| Bl00d pressure | Systolic (top number) mm Hg | Diastolic (bottom number) mm Hg |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Less than 90 | Less than 60 |
| Optimal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Normal | 120–129 | 80–84 |
| Normal to high | 130–139 | 85–89 |
| High | Greater than 140 | Greater than 90 |
Around 120/80 mm Hg is often considered a typical blood pressure reading.
Below is the average bl00d pressure for children and teens:
| Age | Systolic (top number) mm Hg | Diastolic (bottom number) mm Hg |
|---|---|---|
| Newborns up to 1 month | 60–90 | 20–60 |
| Infants | 87–105 | 53–66 |
| Toddlers | 95–105 | 53–66 |
| Preschoolers | 95–110 | 56–70 |
| School-aged children | 97–112 | 57–71 |
| Adolescents | 112–128 | 66–80 |
In adulthood, the average bl00d pressures by age and gender are:
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 18–39 years | 110/68 mm Hg | 119/70 mm Hg |
| 40–59 years | 122/74 mm Hg | 124/77 mm Hg |
| 60+ years | 139/68 mm Hg | 133/69 mm Hg |
How Aging Affects Blood Pressure
As you get older, the chances of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) increase significantly. Here’s why:
- Stiffer arteries: With age, your arteries lose some of their elasticity. This makes it harder for blood to flow smoothly, which raises your pressure.
- Plaque buildup: Over time, fatty deposits can accumulate in blood vessels, further restricting flow and increasing pressure.
- Hormonal and kidney changes: Aging can alter how the body regulates fluid and salt, both of which impact blood pressure.
These changes make high blood pressure one of the leading risk factors for heart attacks, strokes, and vascular dementia in older adults.
