Here’s a detailed breakdown of normal blood pressure ranges by age. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and expressed as systolic/diastolic (e.g., 120/80 mmHg).
1. Infants and Children
| Age Group | Normal Systolic (mmHg) | Normal Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 mo) | 60–90 | 20–60 |
| Infant (1–12 mo) | 87–105 | 53–66 |
| Toddler (1–2 yr) | 95–105 | 53–66 |
| Preschool (3–5 yr) | 95–110 | 56–70 |
| School Age (6–9 yr) | 97–115 | 57–76 |
| Pre-teen (10–12 yr) | 102–120 | 61–80 |
Blood pressure in children can vary depending on height, weight, and health status.
2. Adolescents (13–19 years)
- Normal: 110–120 / 65–75 mmHg
- Prehypertension: 120–129 / 80 mmHg
- Hypertension: ≥130 / 80 mmHg
3. Adults (20–59 years)
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | <120 | <80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | <80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | ≥140 | ≥90 |
- Adults over 40–50 years may have slightly higher systolic values due to arterial stiffness, but diastolic ideally remains <90 mmHg.
4. Older Adults (60+ years)
- Many doctors consider 120–140 / 80–90 mmHg acceptable for people over 60, depending on overall health.
- Extremely low blood pressure in seniors can cause dizziness and falls, so the target may be slightly higher than for younger adults.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure
- Eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly: 30 minutes most days.
- Avoid smoking and excess alcohol.
- Check blood pressure regularly, especially if you have risk factors.
If you want, I can make a visual chart of normal blood pressure by age that makes it easy to see at a glance which numbers are healthy for each stage of life.
Do you want me to do that?