A common misconception is that blood pressure should rise a lot as you age. While blood pressure can increase with age, the general healthy targets for adults are fairly similar.
Approximate normal blood pressure ranges:
| Age | Typical healthy blood pressure (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 month) | 60–90 / 30–60 mmHg |
| Infant (1–12 months) | 87–105 / 53–66 mmHg |
| Child (1–5 years) | 95–110 / 60–75 mmHg |
| Child (6–12 years) | 100–120 / 60–75 mmHg |
| Teenager (13–18 years) | 110–130 / 65–80 mmHg |
| Adults (18+ years) | About 90–120 / 60–80 mmHg |
| Older adults (65+) | Often still aim for below 120/80, but personal targets may differ based on health and medications |
Blood pressure categories for most adults:
- ✅ Normal: Less than 120/80
- ⚠️ Elevated: 120–129 and less than 80
- ⚠️ High blood pressure: 130/80 or higher (confirmed with repeated readings)
Remember:
- One high reading does not always mean you have hypertension.
- Stress, exercise, caffeine, pain, illness, and incorrect cuff size can affect readings.
If you share the person’s age and their blood pressure numbers (for example, 145/90), I can help explain what it means.
