Here’s a clear, medically grounded overview of normal blood pressure values by age, based on guidelines from major health authorities like the American Heart Association (AHA) and World Health Organization (WHO):
Normal Blood Pressure by Age
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as systolic / diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).
1. Children and Adolescents
| Age | Normal Systolic (mmHg) | Normal Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 years | 80–110 | 50–80 |
| 4–5 years | 90–110 | 55–80 |
| 6–9 years | 95–115 | 60–80 |
| 10–12 years | 100–120 | 60–80 |
| 13–15 years | 105–125 | 65–85 |
| 16–17 years | 110–130 | 65–85 |
Blood pressure in children is assessed relative to percentiles for age, sex, and height, so these ranges are approximate.
2. Adults (18–59 years)
- Normal: <120 / <80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129 / <80 mmHg
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension Stage 1): 130–139 / 80–89 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 2: ≥140 / ≥90 mmHg
3. Older Adults (60 years and above)
- Normal: <130 / <80 mmHg
- Some guidelines allow slightly higher systolic targets (up to 140 mmHg) in frail elderly patients to reduce risk of falls or side effects from medication, but diastolic should generally remain below 80–90 mmHg.
4. Key Points
- Blood pressure naturally rises slightly with age, but consistently high values increase risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and vascular issues.
- Lifestyle factors—exercise, diet (low salt, high potassium), weight management, and stress reduction—are important for maintaining healthy BP.
- Regular monitoring is critical because high blood pressure often has no symptoms.
If you want, I can make a simple chart you can use at home to quickly check if your blood pressure is normal for your age. This could include color-coded ranges for quick reference.
Do you want me to do that?
