| Bl00d pressure |
Systolic (top number) mm Hg |
Diastolic (bottom number) mm Hg |
| Low |
Less than 90 |
Less than 60 |
| Optimal |
Less than 120 |
Less than 80 |
| Normal |
120–129 |
80–84 |
| Normal to high |
130–139 |
85–89 |
| High |
Greater than 140 |
Greater than 90 |
Around 120/80 mm Hg is often considered a typical blood pressure reading.
Below is the average bl00d pressure for children and teens:
| Age |
Systolic (top number) mm Hg |
Diastolic (bottom number) mm Hg |
| Newborns up to 1 month |
60–90 |
20–60 |
| Infants |
87–105 |
53–66 |
| Toddlers |
95–105 |
53–66 |
| Preschoolers |
95–110 |
56–70 |
| School-aged children |
97–112 |
57–71 |
| Adolescents |
112–128 |
66–80 |
In adulthood, the average bl00d pressures by age and gender are:
| Age |
Women |
Men |
| 18–39 years |
110/68 mm Hg |
119/70 mm Hg |
| 40–59 years |
122/74 mm Hg |
124/77 mm Hg |
| 60+ years |
139/68 mm Hg |
133/69 mm Hg |
How Aging Affects Blood Pressure
As you get older, the chances of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) increase significantly. Here’s why:
- Stiffer arteries: With age, your arteries lose some of their elasticity. This makes it harder for blood to flow smoothly, which raises your pressure.
- Plaque buildup: Over time, fatty deposits can accumulate in blood vessels, further restricting flow and increasing pressure.
- Hormonal and kidney changes: Aging can alter how the body regulates fluid and salt, both of which impact blood pressure.
