One of the most crucial vital signs that doctors constantly examine is blood pressure. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common ailment that, if left untreated, can result in major health issues. Regularly checking blood pressure levels can help us identify any anomalies early and take the necessary measures.

However, age and other variables like lifestyle and medical history can affect blood pressure readings. I'll present a blood pressure chart by age in this blog post that patients and medical professionals can use as a resource.

Blood pressure chart by age

It is crucial to remember that the blood pressure ranges shown in this chart are only recommendations and may change depending on a variety of other elements, including underlying medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices.

Children and teenagers

Compared to adults, children and adolescents have lower blood pressure.

A person's blood pressure may change with age, height, weight, and gender.

Children and teenagers typically fall within a lower blood pressure normal range than adults.

Following are the different categories for blood pressure:

• Normal: 120 mmHg in systole and 80 mmHg in diastole
• Systolic 120-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg are the prehypertension ranges.
• Diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension

Adults

With age, blood pressure tends to rise.

Following are the different categories for blood pressure:

• Normal: 120 mmHg in systole and 80 mmHg in diastole
• Elevated: Diastolic 80 mmHg and systolic 120-129 mmHg
• Systolic 130-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg is stage 1 hypertension.
• Systolic or diastolic blood pressure of 140 or below in stage 2 hypertension
• Systolic >180 mmHg and/or Diastolic >120 mmHg indicate hypertension crisis.

Expecting mothers

Early in pregnancy, blood pressure tends to drop, but throughout the third trimester, it tends to rise.

Following are the different categories for blood pressure:

• Normal: 120 mmHg in systole and 80 mmHg in diastole
• Elevated: Diastolic 80 mmHg and systolic 120-129 mmHg
• Systolic 130-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg is stage 1 hypertension.
• Systolic or diastolic blood pressure of 140 or below in stage 2 hypertension

Age Group	Blood Pressure Categories	Systolic (mmHg)	Diastolic (mmHg)
Children and Teens	Normal	<120	<80
	Prehypertension	120-139	80-89
	Hypertension	≥140	≥90
Adults	Normal	<120	<80
	Elevated	120-129	<80
	Stage 1	130-139	80-89
	Stage 2	≥140	≥90
	Hypertensive	>180	>120
Pregnant Women	Normal	<120	<80
	Elevated	120-129	<80
	Stage 1	130-139	80-89
	Stage 2	≥140	≥90

FAQ

What does blood pressure mean?

A: Blood pressure is the amount of pressure your blood exerts against the artery walls. The top number (systolic), which represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), and the bottom number (diastolic), which represents the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats.

Why is it crucial to keep an eye on blood pressure?

A: If high blood pressure, commonly referred to as hypertension, is not addressed, it can cause major health issues like heart attacks, strokes, and renal disease. Blood pressure should be regularly checked so that any anomalies can be identified and treated as soon as possible.

What variables can have an impact on blood pressure levels?

A: Age, gender, weight, underlying medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle choices including diet and exercise can all have an impact on blood pressure levels.