Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and written as:
Systolic / Diastolic
- Systolic: pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic: pressure when the heart rests
While “normal” doesn’t change dramatically by age in adults, average values do vary slightly across life stages.
Blood Pressure Categories for Adults (18+)
According to major heart guidelines:
- Normal: Less than 120 / 80 mm Hg
- Elevated: 120–129 / less than 80
- High Blood Pressure (Stage 1): 130–139 / 80–89
- High Blood Pressure (Stage 2): 140+ / 90+
- Hypertensive Crisis: 180+ / 120+ (seek immediate care)
These categories apply to most adults regardless of age.
Average Blood Pressure by Age Group
Children (1–12 years)
Normal blood pressure depends on height, age, and sex, but typical averages are:
- 90–110 / 55–75 mm Hg
A pediatrician uses growth charts to determine what’s normal.
Teenagers (13–17 years)
- 90–120 / 60–80 mm Hg
Values closer to adult ranges become common.
Adults (18–39 years)
- Average: 110–120 / 70–80
- Goal: Under 120 / 80
Adults (40–59 years)
- Average: 115–125 / 70–85
- Goal: Under 130 / 80
Adults (60+ years)
- Average: 120–135 / 70–85
- Many doctors aim for under 130 / 80, depending on overall health.
Important Notes
- Blood pressure naturally rises slightly with age due to stiffening arteries.
- Consistently high readings increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.
- One high reading does not mean you have hypertension — diagnosis requires multiple readings on different days.
If you’d like, tell me the specific age and blood pressure reading, and I can help you understand whether it’s considered normal or something to monitor.