12/03/2024
With a standard blood pressure chart prepared age-wise can help in interpreting your blood pressure results and to analyse whether you are having normal, high, or low blood pressure. This can help you in managing your conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure). Such charts can also help you in monitoring your blood pressure (BP), which plays a key role in maintaining your health, especially for elderly individuals.
The force exerted on your artery walls as your heart pumps blood throughout your body is measured by your blood pressure. Average blood pressure can vary among males and females and tends to increase with age. Knowing your blood pressure levels, and how to measure it, can help you in preventing hypertension (high blood pressure) to a great extent.
What is Blood Pressure?
The force or pressure of blood within your arteries is measured by your blood pressure. Your heart pumps blood into the arteries that distribute blood throughout your body with each heartbeat. This occurs 60 to 100 times every minute, every day of the week. Your body needs oxygen and nutrients to function, which are delivered by oxygenated blood carried by the arteries.
Blood pressure value denotes how powerfully the blood flows through your blood vessels. Your heart's heart rate is the number of times it beats in a minute. A rise in heart rate does not necessarily indicate an increase in blood pressure. Only by using a blood pressure cuff and gauge can you determine your blood pressure.
What Does Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?
The top figure in blood pressure, known as systolic pressure, indicates the pressure within your arteries during a heartbeat. The diastolic pressure, which is the bottom number, indicates the pressure in your arteries in between heartbeats. "mm Hg" is an acronym for millimetres of mercury, and both figures are significant to study your overall blood pressure.
For adults (those aged 20 and over), normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). A systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or greater, or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg or greater, is considered high blood pressure.
The average readings for age and gender are displayed in this blood pressure chart.
Blood Pressure by Age:
| Age | Men | Women |
| 18-39 years | 119/70 mm Hg | 110/68 mm Hg |
| 40-59 years | 124/77 mm Hg | 122/74 mm Hg |
| 60+ years | 133/69 mm Hg | 139/68 mm Hg |
Plaque, a fatty substance, can accumulate in your blood arteries as you age, making them stiffer and potentially increasing blood pressure. You may be more susceptible to heart disease, strokes, and other conditions if your blood pressure rises too much, particularly the systolic reading.
Normal BP values vary in children according to their age.
Normal Blood Pressure for Children:
| Age | Systolic | Diastolic |
| Newborns up to 1 month | 60–90 mm Hg | 20–60 mm Hg |
| Infant | 87–105 mm Hg | 53–66 mm Hg |
| Toddler | 95–105 mm Hg | 53–66 mm Hg |
| Preschooler | 95–110 mm Hg | 56–70 mm Hg |
| School-aged child | 97–112 mm Hg | 57–71 mm Hg |
| Adolescent | 112–128 mm Hg | 66–80 mm Hg |
Blood Pressure Stages
Your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day. It varies according to your actions. Your blood pressure rises when you exercise or are enthusiastic. Your blood pressure is lower when you're at rest. Following are the various stages of the blood pressure:
Stages of High Blood Pressure:
| Stages | Systolic | Diastolic |
| Elevated | 120-129 mm Hg | Less than 80 |
| Stage 1 hypertension | 130-139 mm Hg | 80-89 mm Hg |
| Stage 2 hypertension | 140 mm Hg and up | 90 mm Hg and up |
| Hypertensive crisis | 180 mm Hg and up | 120 mm Hg and up |
When To Reach Out To a Doctor?
Following are the symptoms which can indicate abnormal blood pressure, which may require immediate medical attention:
- Chest pain or back pain
- Difficulty in speaking
- Breathlessness
- Altered Vision
- Abnormal weakness or numbness
- Fainting
- Extreme Headache
Furthermore, it's critical to discuss blood pressure during routine checkups to make sure you're receiving the right diagnosis and care for any hidden or early stage blood pressure condition.
Conclusion
Although blood pressure rises with age, you can reduce your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) by exercising, maintaining a nutritious diet, and quitting smoking. You may maintain your health by learning how to check your own blood pressure and scheduling routine checkups with your healthcare practitioner.
One aspect of preserving your general health is keeping an eye on your blood pressure. You can better understand how effectively your blood pressure is regulated if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure by using a blood pressure cuff at home and monitoring the numbers on a blood pressure chart.
Your blood pressure may be elevated even if you don't have any symptoms. To find out if your blood pressure is within the normal range, it's critical to check it routinely. Continue taking medications suggested by your doctor if you have high blood pressure. Consult your provider before beginning or ceasing to take them. Attend all of your follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your blood pressure, adjust your prescription if necessary, and help you control your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Therefore, understanding the normal blood pressure range by age is very essential. If you think you might be having fluctuating blood pressure levels, reach out to our experts at Eternal Hospital for right diagnosis and care. Book your appointment now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is it important to know my blood pressure range?
A: Monitoring blood pressure helps prevent complications like heart disease, stroke, or kidney problems and ensures early intervention if needed.
Q2. Can stress affect blood pressure temporarily?
A. Yes, stress can cause temporary spikes in blood pressure, but chronic stress may lead to long-term issues if not managed.
Q3. How does physical activity affect blood pressure?
A. Exercise temporarily raises blood pressure but helps lower it over time. Regular physical activity is key to maintaining healthy levels.
Q4: Can smoking affect blood pressure?
A: Yes, smoking temporarily raises blood pressure and contributes to long-term risks of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Q5: How does pregnancy affect blood pressure?
A: Blood pressure can change during pregnancy. Some women may experience preeclampsia (high BP), requiring close monitoring for safety.