The big mistake is thinking “normal blood pressure = age + 100” or that a reading like 150/90 is normal simply because someone is older. That is not the current adult guideline.
According to the 2025 American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guideline, the categories are the same across adult ages. (American Heart Association)
| Blood pressure | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 120/80 | 🟢 Normal |
| 120–129 / below 80 | 🟡 Elevated |
| 130–139 or 80–89 | 🟠 Stage 1 hypertension |
| 140+ or 90+ | 🔴 Stage 2 hypertension |
| Over 180 and/or 120 | 🚨 Severe hypertension |
By age
- 18–39: Normal = below 120/80
- 40–59: Normal = below 120/80
- 60–69: Normal = below 120/80
- 70–79: Normal = below 120/80
- 80+: No special “age-normal” number; treatment goals may be individualized depending on overall health. (American Heart Association)
The general treatment goal for adults is below 130/80 mmHg, although a doctor may choose a different target for an individual patient. (American Heart Association)
Example: A 75-year-old with 150/90 should not assume that is normal because of age—it falls in the Stage 2 hypertension range.
If you give me your age and blood-pressure reading (e.g., 72 years, 148/86), I can explain exactly what it means.
