What is healthy blood pressure by age

WHEN SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT...

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 mean

Blood 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:

  • Normal blood pressure: Lower than 120/80 mmHg
  • Elevated blood pressure: Between 120-129/80 mmHg
  • High blood pressure, stage 1: Between 130-139/80-90 mmHg
  • High blood pressure, stage 2: 140/90 mmHg or higher

Only normal blood pressure is considered healthy. Having elevated or high blood pressure damages your heart and arteries by:

  • Forcing your heart to pump harder. Over time, this causes heart muscle to thicken, making it harder for the heart to fill with and pump blood.
  • Narrowing and hardening your arteries. This can limit the normal flow of blood.

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:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight. If you're overweight, a loss of as few as 10 pounds can lower your blood pressure.
  • Consuming low levels of salt. Keep your salt intake under 1,500 mg/day.
  • Getting plenty of exercise. Try to exercise for at least 90 minutes every week.
  • Limiting alcohol. Keep your alcohol intake to one drink per day if you're a woman, or two drinks per day if you're a man.
  • Eating healthy. Aim for a diet low in saturated and trans fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

"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:

  • To discuss your blood pressure with a primary care physician, find a doctor near you >

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One of the easiest and most important steps you can take to stay healthy is establishing a relationship with a primary care doctor.

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  • What Is It?
    • What is blood pressure?
  • 5 Different Types & Chart
    • What are the different blood pressure categories?
  • Blood Pressure Chart By Age & Gender
    • What is normal blood pressure according to age and gender?
  • Treating High Blood Pressure
    • How to treat high blood pressure?
  • Treating Low Blood Pressure
    • How to treat low blood pressure?
  • Related Resources
    • Related Resources - Blood Pressure Chart: Reading by Age and Gender
  • Comments
    • Patient Comments: 5 Blood Pressure Categories

What is blood pressure?

What is healthy blood pressure by age

Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types include normal, elevated, hypertension stage I, hypertension stage II, and hypertensive crisis.

Blood pressure is the force applied by the blood over the inner walls of the arteries. Although the average blood pressure for a person remains constant, it shows minor fluctuations throughout the day—declining while relaxing and momentarily increasing while being excited or under stress.

An increase in resting blood pressure can scar, stiffen, or harden the arteries.

  • Blood pressure is written as systolic and diastolic values.
  • Hence, BP 120/80 mm Hg means 120 is the systolic number, and 80 is the diastolic number.

High blood pressure is more likely to cause:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Vision loss
  • Kidney failure
  • Dementia
  • Erectile dysfunction

Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure may not have any symptoms and so hypertension has been labeled "the silent killer." Longstanding high blood pressure can lead to multiple complications including heart attack, kidney disease, or stroke.

Some people experience symptoms with their high blood pressure. These symptoms include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Blurred vision
  • The Feeling of pulsations in the neck or head
  • Nausea

What are the different blood pressure categories?

  • 1

Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types, namely:

Table. Different blood pressure categories
CategorySystolic (mmHg)Diastolic (mmHg)Management
Normal120 or less 80 or less N/A
Elevated120-129 80 or less People with elevated blood pressure are at risk of high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control it.
Hypertension stage I130-139 80-89 Doctors may prescribe blood pressure medications and some lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Hypertension stage II140-159 90-99 Doctors may prescribe a combination of both medications and lifestyle changes.
Hypertensive crisis180 or higher 120 or higher This is the most critical condition and requires emergency medical attention.

Contact the physician immediately if the following symptoms are experienced:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Back pain
  • Numbness/weakness
  • Change in vision
  • Difficulty speaking

What is healthy blood pressure by age

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What is normal blood pressure according to age and gender?

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is produced primarily by the contraction of the heart muscle. Its measurement is recorded by two numbers. The first (systolic pressure) is measured after the heart contracts and is highest. The second (diastolic pressure) is measured before the heart contracts and the lowest. A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the pressure. Elevation of blood pressure is called "hypertension".

The chart shows normal blood pressure according to age both male and female.  Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) are included in the chart.

Normal Blood Pressure By Age Both Male and Female
AgeSBPDBP
Male21-25 120.5 78.5
26-30 119.5 76.5
31-35 114.5 75.5
36-40 120.5 75.5
41-45 115.5 78.5
46-50 119.5 80.5
51-55 125.5 80.5
56-60 129.5 79.5
61-65 143.5 76.5
Female21-25 115.5 70.5
26-30 113.5 71.5
31-35 110.5 72.5
36-40 112.5 74.5
41-45 116.5 73.5
46-50 124 78.5
51-55 122.55 74.5
56-60 132.5 78.5
61-65 130.5 77.5

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How to treat low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure can be prevented or treated using the following methods:

  • Consume lots of fluids
  • Limit alcoholic drinks
  • Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or during viral flu
  • Drink more nonalcoholic drinks
  • Exercise regularly to encourage blood flow
  • Avoid sitting or standing quickly
  • While rising, take care to sit upright for a few seconds and then get off the bed
  • Stay away from heavy lifting
  • Avoid standing still for a prolonged time
  • Avoid straining while passing stools
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water such as sauna, hot water springs, and spas
  • Compression stocking covering the thigh and calf restricts the blood flow to the lower part of the body
  • Try eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid post-meal dizziness
  • Any consumption of over-the-counter medications should be reported to the physician.

Medications such as fludrocortisone or midodrine may also help to treat low blood pressure.

Medically Reviewed on 10/4/2022

References

https://www.webmd.com/heart/qa/what-medications-are-used-to-treat-low-blood-pressure

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998762/

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings

What is normal BP as per age?

Table 5.1: Estimated Blood Pressure Ranges (mm Hg).

What is a good blood pressure for a 70 year old?

ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg, while the target for over-80s is below 150/90mmHg (or 145/85mmHg at home)

Is 140 over 70 a good blood pressure?

Normal: Less than 120/80. Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80. Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89.

What is normal blood pressure by age for female?

Women aged 21-25 have the lowest normal diastolic reading (115.5-70.5), while women aged 31-35 have the lowest normal systolic reading (110.5/72.5). The age group with the highest normal blood pressure reading in women is between ages 56 and 60 (132.5/78.5).