Blood pressure is given as two numbers; XX over XX. The top number, or systolic pressure, gives the pressure in the vessel at the time of a beat. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, gives the pressure in the vessel at the time of rest. Blood pressure results are typically seen as low, normal, or high. It is a quick and easy test that is part of the “vitals” that most every healthcare professional will take at the start of an office visit. But did you know that the normal range of blood pressure can change with age?
Blood Pressure Ranges
For the general classification there are low, normal, and high ranges of blood pressure.
- High blood pressure is seen as 140/90 or higher. This is hypertension.
- Low blood pressure is seen as 60/40. This is hypotension.
- Normal blood pressure is seen as 120/80.
Average Blood Pressure By Age
This is a general view of the average blood pressure reading for the age range in question.
- Age 15-19 – 117/77 mm/Hg
- Age 20-24 – 120/79 mm/Hg
- Age 25-29 – 121/80 mm/Hg
- Age 30-34 – 122/81 mm/Hg
- Age 35-39 – 123/82 mm/Hg
- Age 40-44 – 125/83 mm/Hg
- Age 45-49 – 127/84 mm/Hg
- Age 50-54 – 129/85 mm/Hg
- Age 55-59 – 131/86 mm/Hg
- Age 60-64 – 134/87 mm/Hg
This is just the average rate of pressure in the blood vessels as the years progress. This is more the target range that healthcare professionals will go by in diagnosing things like hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypertension (high blood pressure). Typically men will have a higher blood pressure reading than in women, although women do get hypertension too. Heart disease is a leading killer of women, and women should always be screened thoroughly for high blood pressure.
As you see between the years of 15 and 60 the average blood pressure will rise 17/10.
Why Blood Pressure Readings are Important
Blood pressure, that pressure in the blood vessels during a heartbeat and during the rest in between beats, is a great indicator of heart disease and stroke risk factors. Catching high blood pressure early can get you on diet changes and medication for it and can lower your chances of getting cardiovascular illnesses. It is a quick and easy test that can be done in a doctor’s office and now can be part of your home monitoring with simple at home blood pressure testing kits.
