Normal blood pressure for most adults is below 120/80 mm Hg. But this number changes as you get older. Kids have different ranges than teens. Seniors often have higher readings than younger adults.

In this guide, you’ll learn what’s normal at every age. You’ll see easy-to-read charts. And you’ll know when it’s time to talk with your doctor.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is how hard your blood pushes on your arterial walls plus the pressure of which the heart fills with blood. Think of it like water running through a garden hose. Too much pressure can damage the hose. Too little means the water won’t reach where it needs to go.

Your heart pumps blood all day long. Every time it beats, blood flows through your body. The force of that flow is your blood pressure.

The Two Numbers Explained

When a doctor checks your blood pressure, you get two numbers. They look like this: 120/80.

The top number is systolic pressure. It shows how hard blood pushes when your heart beats.

The bottom number is diastolic pressure. It shows the pressure when your heart rests between beats.

Both numbers matter. If either one is too high or too low, it can cause problems.

Why Blood Pressure Changes

Your blood pressure goes up and down during the day. That’s normal. It changes when you:

• Exercise or move around
• Feel stressed or worried
• Drink coffee or caffeine
• Sleep or rest
• Eat salty foods

Age also changes your blood pressure. As you get older, your arteries become stiffer, which naturally raises blood pressure.

Normal Blood Pressure for Adults

For adults 18 and older, here’s what doctors look for:

Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg

This is the healthy range most adults should aim for. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (48.1%, or about 120 million people). That’s why checking your numbers matters.

Blood Pressure Categories for Adults

The American Heart Association has five blood pressure categories:

1. Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg
2. Elevated: 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
3. High Blood Pressure Stage 1: 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic
4. High Blood Pressure Stage 2: 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic
5. Hypertensive Crisis: Higher than 180/120 (needs emergency care)

Both numbers matter. Even if just one number is high, it can mean trouble.

Blood Pressure by Age and Gender

Blood pressure naturally goes up as you age. Here are the averages:

Age Range	Men (Systolic/Diastolic)	Women (Systolic/Diastolic)
18-39 years	119/76 mm Hg	110/68 mm Hg
40-59 years	124/77 mm Hg	122/74 mm Hg
60+ years	133/69 mm Hg	139/68 mm Hg

These are averages, not goals. Your target should still be below 120/80 if possible.

Blood Pressure in Children and Teens

Kids have lower blood pressure than adults. Their small bodies and growing hearts work differently.

Blood pressure screening should start at age 3 during regular checkups. For younger kids, doctors only check if there’s a health concern.

Normal Ranges for Children

In children younger than 13, normal blood pressure depends on three things: their age, height, and whether they’re a boy or girl.

Here are general ranges:

Age	Systolic (Top Number)	Diastolic (Bottom Number)
Newborn	60-76 mm Hg	30-45 mm Hg
1 month	73-94 mm Hg	36-56 mm Hg
1 year	85-104 mm Hg	37-66 mm Hg
2 years	86-106 mm Hg	40-61 mm Hg
7 years	96-115 mm Hg	57-76 mm Hg
15 years	110-131 mm Hg	64-83 mm Hg

These are wide ranges because kids grow at different rates.

Blood Pressure in Teens

For teens 13 and older, doctors use adult guidelines. Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/less than 80. High blood pressure is 130/80 or higher.

Teens who are overweight have higher risk. About 30% of teens with obesity have elevated blood pressure or high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure in Seniors

Getting older means higher blood pressure for most people. But “normal for your age” isn’t always healthy.

Guidelines for Older Adults

In 2017, medical groups updated their guidelines. They recommend that adults 65 and older aim for blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg.

Some doctors are more flexible with very elderly patients. If you’re over 80 and have other health issues, your doctor might accept slightly higher numbers. This helps prevent falls from dizziness.

Why Seniors Have Higher Blood Pressure

Your blood vessels change as you age. They get stiffer. They don’t stretch as easily. This makes your heart work harder to pump blood.

Other age-related factors include:

• Less physical activity
• Weight gain over the years
• Medicines that raise blood pressure
• Health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

That’s why annual physicals for adults become so important as you age.

When Both Numbers Don’t Match

Sometimes your top number looks good but your bottom number is high. Or the other way around.

If your systolic (top) number is 140 but your diastolic (bottom) is 70, you still have high blood pressure. The same goes for 119/90—even though 119 is normal, 90 is too high.

Either number being too high puts you at risk.

Isolated Systolic Hypertension

This is when your top number is high but your bottom number is normal. It’s common in older adults.

Example: 150/70 mm Hg

The stiff arteries we talked about earlier cause this. It still needs treatment because it raises your risk for heart disease and stroke.

What Causes High Blood Pressure

About 48% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. Many don’t even know it because high blood pressure usually has no symptoms.

Common Risk Factors

Several things raise your chances of high blood pressure:

Age: Blood pressure goes up as you get older

Family History: If your parents had it, you’re more likely to get it

Weight: Being overweight makes your heart work harder

Lack of Exercise: Moving less means higher blood pressure

Too Much Salt: Eating salty foods can raise your numbers

Smoking: It damages your blood vessels

Stress: Constant worry can keep your blood pressure high

Other Health Issues: Diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep problems all play a role

Secondary Hypertension

Sometimes another health problem causes high blood pressure. This is called secondary hypertension. Treating the underlying cause can fix the blood pressure problem.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Here’s the scary part: high blood pressure usually has no symptoms. That’s why doctors call it “the silent killer.”

You can feel perfectly fine while your blood pressure damages your body. In 2023, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing cause of 664,470 deaths in the United States.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

If your blood pressure is higher than 180/120, it’s a medical emergency. Call 911 if you also have:

• Bad headache
• Chest pain
• Trouble breathing
• Vision changes
• Weakness or numbness
• Trouble speaking

Don’t wait. These symptoms mean your organs could be getting damaged right now.

How to Check Your Blood Pressure at Home

Checking your blood pressure at home gives your doctor better information. One reading at the office isn’t enough.

Choosing a Home Monitor

Get an automatic monitor that goes around your upper arm. Wrist and finger monitors aren’t as accurate.

Look for monitors that:

• Have a large, easy-to-read screen
• Fit your arm (measure first)
• Are approved by medical organizations
• Store multiple readings

Taking an Accurate Reading

Follow these steps every time:

1. Don’t drink caffeine for 30 minutes before
2. Sit quietly for 5 minutes
3. Keep your back supported
4. Put both feet flat on the floor
5. Rest your arm on a table at heart level
6. Don’t talk during the reading

Take two readings, one minute apart. Write down both numbers with the date and time.

How to Lower High Blood Pressure

Good news: you can often lower your blood pressure without medicine. Even small changes help.

Lifestyle Changes That Work

Lose Extra Weight: Even 5-10 pounds can make a difference. Weight management programs can help.

Eat Less Salt: Most Americans eat too much salt. Aim for less than 2,300 mg per day. That’s about one teaspoon.

Move More: Walk for 30 minutes most days. Gardening counts. Dancing counts. Just move.

Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Cut back on fried foods and sweets.

Quit Smoking: This is huge. Your blood pressure drops within weeks of quitting.

Limit Alcohol: Drinking too much raises blood pressure. Men should have no more than 2 drinks per day. Women should have 1 or less.

Manage Stress: Try deep breathing, meditation, or talking with friends. Stress-related conditions need attention.

Sleep Better: Aim for 7-9 hours each night. Sleep problems can raise blood pressure.

When You Need Medicine

Sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough. Your doctor might prescribe blood pressure medicine if:

• Your blood pressure stays high despite healthy habits
• You have very high blood pressure (160/100 or higher)
• You have diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease
• You’re at high risk for heart attack or stroke

Among adults with high blood pressure, only 51.2% reported taking medicine for it. Many people stop taking their medicine because they feel fine. But remember: high blood pressure has no symptoms until it causes serious damage.

Taking medicine as prescribed protects your heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Understanding Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure (hypotension) gets less attention than high blood pressure. But it matters too.

For adults, blood pressure below 90/60 mm Hg is considered low. But some healthy people naturally have low blood pressure and feel great.

When Low Blood Pressure Is a Problem

Low blood pressure becomes dangerous when it causes symptoms like:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Lack of concentration

These symptoms mean your brain and organs aren’t getting enough blood.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

Several things can drop your blood pressure:

• Not drinking enough water
• Pregnancy
• Blood loss
• Heart problems
• Severe infections
• Severe allergic reactions
• Certain medicines
• Standing up too quickly (especially in older adults)

If you have symptoms of low blood pressure, see your doctor. Don’t try to fix it yourself by eating more salt.

Special Considerations

Some groups need extra attention when it comes to blood pressure.

Pregnancy and Blood Pressure

Blood pressure naturally drops in early pregnancy. It usually returns to normal by the end.

But high blood pressure during pregnancy is serious. It can lead to a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. All pregnant women need regular blood pressure checks.

How Often to Check Your Blood Pressure

If you’re 18 or older, get your blood pressure checked at least every two years. If you’re 45 or older, get it checked every year.

Check more often if:

• You have high blood pressure
• Your blood pressure is elevated
• You have risk factors like obesity or family history
• You take blood pressure medicine
• Your doctor recommends it

Annual physicals always include blood pressure checks. They’re one of the most important tests your doctor does.

Tracking Your Numbers

Keep a blood pressure log. Write down:

• The date and time
• Your systolic (top) number
• Your diastolic (bottom) number
• What you were doing before the reading
• Any symptoms you felt

This information helps your doctor see patterns and make better treatment decisions.

The Connection Between Blood Pressure and Other Health Conditions

High blood pressure doesn’t happen alone. It’s often connected to other health problems.

Heart Disease

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States.

When your blood pressure stays high, it damages your arteries. This makes it easier for cholesterol to build up. Over time, this can block arteries and cause heart attacks.

Heart disease management includes controlling blood pressure along with other treatments.

Stroke

High blood pressure damages blood vessels throughout the body, including the brain, making them more likely to get blocked or burst.

A stroke happens when blood can’t reach part of your brain. Either a blood clot blocks a vessel, or a vessel breaks and bleeds. Both types of stroke are more common when blood pressure is high.

Blood pressure above 130/80 increases stroke risk. Above 180/120 is a medical emergency.

Kidney Disease

Your kidneys filter waste from your blood. High blood pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys. Over time, they can’t do their job.

Kidney disease then makes blood pressure even higher. It becomes a vicious cycle. That’s why chronic disease management focuses on keeping blood pressure under control.

Diabetes

Diabetes and high blood pressure often go together. About two-thirds of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure.

Both conditions damage blood vessels. Together, they greatly increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Myths About Blood Pressure

Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings.

Myth 1: “I feel fine, so my blood pressure must be normal.”

Not true. High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms until serious damage has occurred.

Myth 2: “High blood pressure runs in my family, so there’s nothing I can do.”

While family history matters, lifestyle changes can still help a lot. Many people with a family history never develop high blood pressure.

Myth 3: “I only need to worry about the top number.”

Both numbers matter. High blood pressure in either number increases your risk.

Myth 4: “Blood pressure medicine is dangerous.”

Modern blood pressure medicines are safe for most people. The risks of untreated high blood pressure are much greater.

Myth 5: “Once I start blood pressure medicine, I’ll need it forever.”

Sometimes. But if you make big lifestyle changes, you might be able to stop or reduce medicine under your doctor’s guidance.

 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When you discuss blood pressure with your doctor, ask:

1. What is my blood pressure goal?
2. How often should I check my blood pressure at home?
3. What lifestyle changes would help me most?
4. Do I need blood pressure medicine?
5. What are the side effects of the medicine you’re recommending?
6. Could any of my other medicines affect my blood pressure?
7. What symptoms should I watch for?
8. When should I come back for a follow-up?

Write down the answers. Bring your blood pressure log to every appointment.

Resources for Managing Blood Pressure

Several trusted sources provide more information:

• American Heart Association (heart.org): Offers blood pressure trackers, recipes, and education
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (nhlbi.nih.gov): Government resource with detailed guidelines
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov): Statistics and prevention programs

Local health centers often offer free or low-cost blood pressure screenings. Check with your community center or pharmacy.

Final Thoughts

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg for most adults. But remember: these numbers change with age, and what’s “normal” isn’t always healthy.

Children have much lower blood pressure than adults. As we age, blood pressure naturally rises. But that doesn’t mean we should accept very high numbers.

The key is knowing your numbers. Check your blood pressure regularly. Make healthy lifestyle choices. And work with your doctor to keep your blood pressure in a safe range.

High blood pressure is called “the silent killer” for good reason—it usually has no symptoms until it causes serious damage. Don’t wait for warning signs. Take action now.

If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked recently, schedule an appointment today. Whether you need a routine checkup, help managing chronic conditions, or hypertension management, regular care makes all the difference.

Your heart works hard for you every single day. Give it the support it deserves by keeping your blood pressure in check. Your future self will thank you.