What is a Normal Blood Pressure by Age?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, does not always present with symptoms. You may have high blood pressure and feel perfectly fine. That is why it is important to regularly monitor your blood pressure to ensure you are within normal levels.

Your blood pressure reading includes a top number and bottom number. The top number is your systolic reading. This is the pressure blood exerts against artery walls when the heart contracts or beats. The bottom number is the diastolic reading. This measures the force against your artery walls when the heart is relaxed or between beats.

Your blood pressure will fluctuate throughout the day depending on changes in posture, stress, sleep, and exercise. Regardless of fluctuations, your blood pressure on average should remain less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Here are blood pressure categories as defined by the American Heart Association.

Normal blood pressure: <120 / 80 mm Hg

Prehypertension – 120-139 / 80 -89 mm Hg

Stage 1 High Blood Pressure – 140-159 / 90-99 mm Hg

Stage 2 High Blood Pressure – >160 / 100 mm Hg

Hypertensive Crisis – >180 / 110 mm Hg (seek emergency care)

Prehypertension increases your risk for developing high blood pressure. If you have prehypertension, this is an ideal time to assess your diet and lifestyle choices and implement changes to lower levels. Continue reading →