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July 26, 2022 You're young, you're healthy — so does it actually matter that your doctor is concerned about your blood pressure? Even if you're a young adult, you aren't too young to be affected by high blood pressure. In fact, almost half of adults over the age of 20 have elevated or high blood pressure — even if they appear healthy. High blood pressure doesn't cause obvious symptoms, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. "While it might not feel like it, high blood pressure quietly damages your body over time — increasing your risk of developing serious medical conditions," says Dr. Nasir, Chief of Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness at Houston Methodist. "It's why we call high blood pressure the silent killer." Plus, having high blood pressure may increase your risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19. What your blood pressure numbers meanBlood pressure is the force that blood applies to the walls of arteries as it's pumped throughout the body. "Your arteries are built to withstand some pressure, but there's a limit to what they can handle," says Dr. Nasir. This is why blood pressure is measured and segmented based on how it affects our health. The four blood pressure categories are:
Only normal blood pressure is considered healthy. Having elevated or high blood pressure damages your heart and arteries by:
How does blood pressure affect my health?Even if you're only in your 20s or 30s, long-term studies show that having elevated blood pressure significantly increases your risk of developing serious health conditions later in life. "Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease in middle age, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.," says Dr. Nasir. "It's also a risk factor for stroke, kidney disease and several eye conditions." Plus, high blood pressure affects more than just your health; there are financial implications, too. A person with high blood pressure spends almost $2,000 a year on the associated medications and health costs. These costs skyrocket if high blood pressure is left uncontrolled and serious medical conditions, such as heart disease, result. How do I lower my blood pressure?The steps to lower your blood pressure aren't as painful as you may be thinking. If you smoke, you'll need to stop. Otherwise, lowering your blood pressure is as easy as the "more of this, less of that" approach you're used to hearing about, including:
"Not only may young people be tempted to brush off their elevated or high blood pressure," says Dr. Nasir, "but they are less likely to be diagnosed by doctors during their office visits. Apart from taking steps now to reduce risk factors down the road, its important to discuss with your doctor if your blood pressure is consistently high." Next Steps:
Protect Your Health One of the easiest and most important steps you can take to stay healthy is establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor. Please Enter Email Please Enter Valid Email Blood pressure (BP) measures the force pressed against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body. Average blood pressure differs by sex and tends to rise with age. It's important to know how blood pressure affects your health. This article covers how healthcare providers differentiate between "normal" blood pressure and hypertension (high blood pressure) and includes blood pressure charts by age and gender. It will also discuss the health risks involved with hypertension, how you can monitor your blood pressure, and when you should call your healthcare provider.  What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?Blood pressure readings are composed of two numbers—for example, 120/80 mm Hg. Both numbers are an important part of your blood pressure reading. The top number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries between each heart beat. The standard unit of measure, mm Hg, stands for "millimeters of mercury." Mercury pressure gauges have been replaced with electronic pressure gauges, but the abbreviation is still used. Normal Blood Pressure for ChildrenNormal BP ranges vary in children by age. The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital provides this blood pressure chart:
What is considered healthy for your child also varies by height, age, and sex. You can use Baylor College of Medicine's calculator to see if your child’s blood pressure reading is in a healthy range. Normal Blood Pressure for AdultsAccording to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure for adults (ages 20 and older) is less than 120/80 mm Hg. On the other hand, hypertension is defined as having a systolic pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher, most of the time. Average Blood Pressure by AgeAs you get older, your blood vessels tend to become stiffer and plaque (a fatty material) can build up in them, which can raise your blood pressure. If your blood pressure becomes too high, you're at a greater risk for heart disease, strokes, and more. In 2015, the average blood pressure worldwide was 127/79 mm Hg in men, and 122/77 mm Hg in women, according to a study analysis published in Lancet. When researchers for the National Center for Health Statistics looked at average blood pressure in U.S. adults between 2001 and 2008, the average reading was 122/71 mm Hg. The breakout was 124/72 mm Hg for men, and 121/70 mm Hg in women. It rose by age and was significantly higher in Black people. The researchers found the following breakdown by age, sex, and race or ethnicity:
High Blood PressureAs the population ages and life expectancy increases, high blood pressure is becoming more common. PrevalenceIn 1972, the National High Blood Pressure Education Program was launched by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The program educated more people about high blood pressure. As more people became aware of their high blood pressure and took medicine for it, the rate of high blood pressure declined. In fact, the percentage of people with high blood pressure decreased from 47% in the 1999–2000 period to 42% in 2013–2014. However, the percentage rose again to 45% in 2017–2018. One study found that in 2017-2018, only 58% of adults under the age of 40 were aware they had high blood pressure. As of 2018, 45% of U.S. adults had high blood pressure, including 51% of men and 40% of women. That included 22% of adults aged 18 to 39, 55% of adults aged 40 to 59, and 75% of those aged 60 and over. RecapNormal blood pressure for an adult is 120 over 80, but it is lower for children and adolescents. In 2018, almost half of all adults in the U.S. (45%) had blood pressure above normal levels. More men than women, and more Black and Latinx than White people have high blood pressure. Risk FactorsThere are several risk factors for hypertension, including:
Blood Pressure StagesHigh blood pressure for adults is divided into stages. At each stage, there is a greater risk to your health. A hypertensive crisis, which is measured at 180/120, is a sharp increase of blood pressure that may cause a stroke.
Risks and TreatmentsA consistent rise in your blood pressure over time comes with an increased risk to your health. Your healthcare provider is likely to respond in these ways:
Hypertension Healthcare Provider Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. When to Call Your Healthcare ProviderA hypertensive crisis—defined as blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hg—requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you are also experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, a change in vision, weakness, or numbness. RecapThere are several different stages of high blood pressure. As blood pressure rises, the negative impact on your health increases, too. A healthcare provider can recommend treatment for each stage, starting with diet and lifestyle changes and leading to medication options. How Blood Pressure Is MeasuredBlood pressure testing stations can be found in pharmacies, workplaces, and medical clinics. You can also buy a blood pressure monitor online or at your local pharmacy. To measure blood pressure, a cuff attached to a monitor is placed on your arm. The cuff is then inflated with an air pump until its pressure stops blood flow from your brachial artery—the major artery found in your upper arm. As the cuff deflates, the device measures the pressure when blood starts flowing again (systolic pressure). Once the cuff is completely deflated, the device gauges the lowest pressure between beats (diastolic pressure). Typically, more attention is given to the systolic pressure reading, as systolic blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people over the age of 50. Still, both readings are used to make a diagnosis. How to Take Your Blood PressureIf you're taking your blood pressure at home, there are certain steps you can take to get the most accurate reading possible. Getting StartedThe goal is to measure your blood pressure at its most stable. Hence, it's good practice to rest for five minutes in a calm environment before getting started. The AHA also advises against smoking, exercising, or drinking caffeinated beverages within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Proper Cuff SizeHealthcare providers often keep one default cuff in the examining room, which is generally meant to be used for people of "average" height and weight. If you are larger or smaller than average, the default cuff will not produce an accurate reading, and a more appropriately sized cuff should be used. Official guidelines specify the following cuff sizes:
Proper PositioningFind someplace to sit where your body is well-supported in an upright position and your feet are flat on the ground. Consider sitting at a dinner table, rather than a couch, and relaxing your arm on the tabletop. The cuffed part of your arm should be supported at the same level as your heart. The bottom of the cuff should be placed just above the bend of your elbow and directly against your skin. Be sure to roll up your sleeves if you are wearing them, and remove any layers that are in the way. Take Multiple ReadingsOne blood pressure reading is not enough to get an accurate measurement. Things like temperature and stress can change blood pressure, so more than one reading allows you to correct for these variations. More than one reading should be taken during healthcare provider's visits, too—ideally once at the beginning of your visit and once at the end. Choosing a Blood Pressure MonitorIf you're planning to take your blood pressure at home, it's important to have a reliable blood pressure monitor. The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep (upper-arm) monitor, but there are other options. When selecting a blood pressure monitor, consider the following:
SummaryBlood pressure increases with age, but exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking can help lower your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). Seeing your healthcare provider for regular blood pressure checks and learning to check your own can help you stay healthy. A Word From VerywellIt’s good to know where you fall in terms of average blood pressure for your age, but even better to know how your readings compare to normal blood pressure. If you are above normal, now is the time to connect with your healthcare provider. Follow their guidance to keep your blood pressure under control. Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered high blood pressure by age?The previous guidelines set the threshold at 140/90 mm Hg for people younger than age 65 and 150/80 mm Hg for those ages 65 and older. This means 70% to 79% of men ages 55 and older are now classified as having hypertension.
What is the danger level for high blood pressure?Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”
What time of the day is blood pressure highest?Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.
What should I do if my BP is 140 90?If you have a BP of 140/90, that is considered high blood pressure and you should discuss this with your doctor. The first thing that is usually recommended for people with high blood pressure to do is lifestyle changes such as: Maintaining a healthy weight. Consuming a healthy balanced diet low in salt.
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