Normal blood pressure reading for a man

There are five blood pressure stages: normal and four specific stages of hypertension, which range from very treatable to urgent.

People with a blood pressure range of 90 to 120 systolic and 60 to 80 diastolic have normal blood pressure, says Dr. Wong. A systolic reading below 90 signifies low blood pressure.

Elevated Blood Pressure

A blood pressure reading of 120 to 129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic signifies elevated blood pressure and, thus, a higher probability of developing hypertension.

“As blood pressure elevates, there is increased workload on the heart and arteries,” says Dr. Desai. “This results in [the] thickening of the heart muscle (hypertrophy), which can lead to heart failure. It also results in [the] micro-tearing of the artery wall, leading to cholesterol deposition (atherosclerosis). This leads to [the] narrowing of the vessel and further elevation of blood pressure.”

Hypertension Stage I

Hypertension Stage I is defined by a systolic reading of 130 to 139 and a diastolic reading of 80 to 89.

Dr. Wong says while doctors initially treat this stage of hypertension by suggesting a healthier lifestyle—eating more vegetables and whole grains, using less salt, increasing physical activity and controlling stress—medications may be needed if blood pressure falls in this range on multiple readings over a period of time in people with other cardiovascular risk factors.

Dr. Wong adds that, per 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, adults with Hypertension Stage I should consider medication after three to six months of nonpharmacologic therapy. There’s also a risk of atherosclerosis—thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery—if it isn’t treated. Risk factors for atherosclerosis may include high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical activity and eating saturated fats.

Hypertension Stage II

Hypertension Stage II is marked by a systolic reading of at least 140 and diastolic reading of at least 90. It’s generally treated with a mix of medications and a healthy lifestyle prescription, says Dr. Wong. Still, this stage of hypertension is more serious than the former and should be watched carefully.

Hypertensive Crisis

A hypertensive crisis is an emergency situation and occurs when the systolic blood pressure reading exceeds 180 and the diastolic reading exceeds 120. “Immediate organ damage can occur and emergency treatment should be sought if there are symptoms of stroke, headache, visual changes, dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath,” says Dr. Wong.

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is produced primarily by the contraction of the heart muscle. Its measurement is recorded by two numbers.

• The first (systolic pressure) is measured after the heart contracts and is highest. This tells you the force of your blood against the artery walls when your heart beats.
• The second (diastolic pressure) is measured before the heart contracts and the lowest. This tells you what your blood pressure is when your heart is at rest between heartbeats.

Which number is more important?

A high systolic blood pressure reading is a major marker for heart disease in people over 50. As you age, systolic blood pressure increases steadily from the long-term buildup of plaque and stiffness of your arteries. Additionally, elevated systolic blood pressure increases your chances of cardiac and vascular disease.

Systolic or diastolic blood pressure readings may both be used by doctors to diagnose you with high blood pressure. Recent studies show the risk of death for people between the ages of 40 and 89 due to ischemic heart disease and stroke doubles with every 20 mm Hg systolic or 10 mm Hg diastolic reading.

A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the pressure. Elevation of blood pressure is called "hypertension".

Depending on your blood pressure reading, you will fall into one of five blood pressure categories, which include:

1. Normal
2. Elevated
3. Hypertension Stage 1
4. Hypertension Stage 2
5. Hypertensive Crisis

While many people focus on the dangers of high blood pressure (hypertension), low blood pressure (hypotension) can also pose a threat. In cases of hypotension, a diastolic blood pressure reading of 60 mm Hg or below is considered low blood pressure. This is true even if your systolic blood pressure reading is 120 mm Hg, which is considered normal.

What Is Normal Blood Pressure for seniors?

According to current guidelines from the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure for adults under the age of 65 is any blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg.

Average blood pressure readings for both men and women vary and often increase with age.

• Age: Blood pressure increases with age, as more pressure is exerted on the artery walls.
• Obesity: Overweight and obese people tend to be at increased risk of hypertension.
• Salt intake: Consumption of high amounts of sodium is a risk factor for hypertension
• Sedentary lifestyle: As people get older, their levels of daily physical activity may reduce and lead to a greater risk of hypertension.
• Alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of hypertension.

Read more about normal and elevated blood pressure for seniors »

What are the different blood pressure ranges?

• 1

Your blood pressure measurement will determine which blood pressure category you belong to. The higher your blood pressure reading, the higher your risk factor for certain conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney disease. If left untreated, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, kidneys, and brain.

Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types, namely:

Blood pressure is measured in mm Hg (millimeters of mercury)

Contact your healthcare provider or Call 911 immediately if the following symptoms are experienced:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Numbness/weakness
• Change in vision
• Difficulty speaking

SLIDESHOW

What are the normal blood pressure readings by age and gender?

The chart shows normal blood pressure according to age both male and female.  Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) are included in the chart.

Health News

• Healthy Plant-Based Diets Lower Men's Odds for Colon Cancer
• Drinking Rates Crept Up in U.S. States Once Weed Was Made Legal
• Relax, a Little Stress Might Be Good for You
• High Deductibles Keep Some Women From Follow-Up After Troubling Mammogram
• How Persistent Asthma Might Harm the Heart
• 
  More Health News »

What is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force applied by the blood over the inner walls of the arteries. Although the average blood pressure for a person remains constant, it shows minor fluctuations throughout the day—declining while relaxing and momentarily increasing while being excited or under stress.

An increase in resting blood pressure can scar, stiffen, or harden the arteries.

• Blood pressure is written as systolic and diastolic values.
• Hence, BP 120/80 mm Hg means 120 is the systolic number, and 80 is the diastolic number.

High blood pressure is more likely to cause:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart failure
• Vision loss
• Kidney failure
• Dementia
• Erectile dysfunction

QUESTION

How to treat high blood pressure?

Ultimately, high blood pressure (hypertension) can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys and prevent them from working properly. Additionally, untreated hypertension can result in numerous health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyle changes and regular exercise can help to treat high blood pressure.

Some of the suggested lifestyle changes by the physicians are as follows:

• Quit smoking
• Lose weight
• Avoid alcohol or at least limit the intake
• Eat a low-sodium and low-fat diet such as the DASH diet
• Avoid too much stress
• Eat foods rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium such as bananas and milk
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure after reaching the age of 35 years
• Practice meditation and other stress-relieving exercises
• Cut back on caffeine

The physicians may prescribe the following medications:

• Diuretics
• ACE inhibitors
• Alpha-blockers
• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Vasodilators

How to treat low blood pressure?

Low blood pressure (Hypotension) can be prevented or treated using the following methods:

• Consume lots of fluids
• Limit alcoholic drinks
• Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or during viral flu
• Drink more nonalcoholic drinks
• Exercise regularly to encourage blood flow
• Avoid sitting or standing quickly
• While rising, take care to sit upright for a few seconds and then get off the bed
• Stay away from heavy lifting
• Avoid standing still for a prolonged time
• Avoid straining while passing stools
• Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water such as saunas, hot water springs, and spas
• Compression stocking covering the thigh and calf restricts the blood flow to the lower part of the body
• Try eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid post-meal dizziness
• Any consumption of over-the-counter medications should be reported to the physician.

Medications such as fludrocortisone or midodrine may also help to treat low blood pressure.

Subscribe to MedicineNet's Heart Health Newsletter

By clicking "Submit," I agree to the MedicineNet Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from MedicineNet and I understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet subscriptions at any time.

Medically Reviewed on 11/11/2022

References

https://www.webmd.com/heart/qa/what-medications-are-used-to-treat-low-blood-pressure

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998762/

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings

Complete List

Top Blood Pressure Chart: Reading by Age Related Articles

• 

  Blood Pressure Picture

  The blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. See a picture of Blood Pressure and learn more about the health topic.

• 

  High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

  High blood pressure (hypertension) is a disease in which pressure within the arteries of the body is elevated. About 75 million people in the US have hypertension (1 in 3 adults), and only half of them are able to manage it. Many people do not know that they have high blood pressure because it often has no has no warning signs or symptoms.

  Systolic and diastolic are the two readings in which blood pressure is measured. The American College of Cardiology released new guidelines for high blood pressure in 2017. The guidelines now state that blood normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. If either one of those numbers is higher, you have high blood pressure.

  The American Academy of Cardiology defines high blood pressure slightly differently. The AAC considers 130/80 mm Hg. or greater (either number) stage 1 hypertension. Stage 2 hypertension is considered 140/90 mm Hg. or greater.

  If you have high blood pressure you are at risk of developing life threatening diseases like stroke and heart attack.

  REFERENCE: CDC. High Blood Pressure. Updated: Nov 13, 2017.

• 

  High Blood Pressure & Body

  High blood pressure puts you at risk for a number of other conditions. Here's what to look out for.

• 

  What Is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)? Symptoms, Treatments

  What causes high blood pressure (hypertension)? What is normal blood pressure? Know the warning signs and symptoms of high blood pressure. Read about high blood pressure medications, diet, and long-term treatments.

• 

  HBP Quiz

  Take this quiz and test your IQ of high blood pressure (hypertension), the cardiovascular disease that causes most strokes and heart attacks. How are dizziness, snoring, and gout related to HBP? Find the answer and learn how medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments fight this common problem.

• 

  High Blood Pressure Treatment (Natural Home Remedies, Diet, Medications)

  High blood pressure (hypertension) means high pressure (tension) in the arteries. Treatment for high blood pressure include lifestyle modifications (alcohol, smoking, coffee, salt, diet, exercise), drugs and medications such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, beta blockers, diuretics, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), alpha blockers, clonidine, minoxidil, and Exforge.

• 

  Is A Manual Blood Pressure More Accurate?

  Manual blood pressure gives accurate results when used correctly by a trained person. However, manual blood pressure measurement is not the recommended type of blood pressure monitoring for home use because it requires some training.

• 

  Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

  Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Some of the symptoms of low blood pressure include light-headedness, dizziness, and fainting if not enough blood is getting to the brain. Diseases and medications can also cause low blood pressure. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged.

• 

  Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Causes

  Low blood pressure (hypotension) occurs when blood pressure drops below the normal range. Low blood pressure can be temporary, or it can be a chronic (long-lasting) condition.

• 

  Low Blood Pressure

  What is low blood pressure (hypotension)? Explore low blood pressure causes, symptoms, and signs. Discover what is considered low blood pressure.

• 

  How to Lower Blood Pressure: Exercise Tips

  Trying to lower high blood pressure (hypertension)? Discover exercises good for lowering blood pressure, along with other lifestyle changes and medications to prevent high blood pressure.

• 

  10 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Without Medication

  Lifestyle changes are effective in controlling high blood pressure.

• 

  What Are Abnormal Blood Pressure Number Ranges?

  Abnormal blood pressure, especially high blood pressure, is a common issue with no initial symptoms. Learn how to keep your blood pressure in the normal range.

• 

  What Is “Normal” Blood Pressure?

  Normal blood pressure is when the pressure is less than or upto 120/80 mmHg. The value 120 denotes the systolic pressure, and the value 80 denotes the diastolic pressure.

• 

  What Is Normal Blood Pressure by Age?

  What is normal blood pressure? Learn about normal blood pressure by age and the risk factors of hypertension.

• 

  Which Blood Pressure Number Is the Most Important?

  The blood that flows through the arteries (blood vessels carrying blood from the heart to other parts of the body) exerts pressure against the arterial walls. The number above (120) is called the systolic blood pressure and the number below (80) is called the diastolic blood pressure. Though both readings are important, many doctors believe that systolic blood pressure is a better predictor of complications of hypertension, such as heart disease or stroke.

  What is normal BP for male age?

  Blood pressure by age and gender.

  What is normal blood pressure level by age?

  Normal Blood Pressure By Age Both Male and Female.

  Is 150 90 A good blood pressure?

  Normal pressure is 120/80 or lower. Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.

  What is a good bp for a 65 year old male?

  ELDERLY BLOOD PRESSURE RANGES Recently, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated their guidance to indicate that people age 65 and older should ideally have a blood pressure reading lower than 130/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury).