What Is the Normal Blood Pressure for Each Age?
A common misconception is that there is a different “normal” blood pressure number for every age. In reality, healthy blood pressure targets are generally similar for most adults, although doctors consider age, overall health, medications, and medical conditions.
Blood pressure is measured as:
- Systolic (top number): pressure when the heart beats
- Diastolic (bottom number): pressure when the heart relaxes
General adult blood pressure ranges
| Age group | Often considered a healthy range* |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | Varies by age, sex, and height |
| 18–39 years | Around 90/60 to under 120/80 mmHg |
| 40–59 years | Around 90/60 to under 120/80 mmHg |
| 60+ years | Often targeted around under 130/80 mmHg for many people, depending on health status |
*Individual targets may differ.
Blood pressure categories for adults:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
- High blood pressure (Stage 1): 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic
- High blood pressure (Stage 2): 140+ systolic or 90+ diastolic
For older adults (including people in their 80s):
A slightly higher reading may sometimes be accepted depending on health, fall risk, medications, and overall condition. The goal is to balance protecting the heart and brain while avoiding dizziness or dangerously low pressure.
When to seek medical advice:
- Repeated readings of 140/90 or higher
- Very low readings with dizziness, fainting, or weakness
- A sudden major change from your usual blood pressure
- A reading of 180/120 or higher, especially with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, weakness, or vision changes (seek urgent care)
For an accurate reading, measure after sitting quietly for a few minutes, with your arm supported at heart level, and take more than one reading on different days.
