Blood Pressure Chart With Readings By Age and Sex

What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?

Blood pressure readings are composed of two numbers—for example, 120/80 mm Hg. Both numbers are an important part of your blood pressure reading.

The top number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries between each heart beat.

The standard unit of measure, mm Hg, stands for "millimeters of mercury." Mercury pressure gauges have been replaced with electronic pressure gauges, but the abbreviation is still used.

Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.

Normal Blood Pressure for Children

Normal BP ranges vary in children by age. The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital provides this blood pressure chart:1

Normal Blood Pressure for Children
	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

Normal Blood Pressure for Adults

According to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure for adults (ages 20 and older) is less than 120/80 mm Hg.2

On the other hand, hypertension is defined as having a systolic pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher, most of the time.

Average Blood Pressure by Age

As you get older, your blood vessels tend to become stiffer and plaque (a fatty material) can build up in them, which can raise your blood pressure. If your blood pressure becomes too high, you're at a greater risk for heart disease, strokes, and more.

In 2015, the average blood pressure worldwide was 127/79 mm Hg in men, and 122/77 mm Hg in women, according to a study analysis published in Lancet.4

When researchers for the National Center for Health Statistics looked at average blood pressure in U.S. adults between 2001 and 2008, the average reading was 122/71 mm Hg. The breakout was 124/72 mm Hg for men, and 121/70 mm Hg in women. It rose by age and was significantly higher in Black people.5

The researchers found the following breakdown by age, sex, and race or ethnicity:5

Blood Pressure by 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

Blood Pressure by Race/Ethnicity
White	122/71 mm Hg
Black	127/73 mm Hg
Mexican American	123/70 mm Hg

What are the best times to take your blood pressure?

Blood pressure varies slightly throughout the day, so it's best to take two readings per day at different times. Take your first reading after you wake up, before eating, exercising, or taking any medications. Take your second in the evening before bed. Whatever you choose, be consistent.

Blood Pressure Stages

High blood pressure for adults is divided into stages. At each stage, there is a greater risk to your health. A hypertensive crisis, which is measured at 180/120, is a sharp increase of blood pressure that may cause a stroke.10

Stages of High Blood Pressure
	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

Risks and Treatments

A consistent rise in your blood pressure over time comes with an increased risk to your health. Your healthcare provider is likely to respond in these ways:

Elevated: You are likely to develop hypertension unless you take steps to control it. These may include lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet, getting more exercise, and quitting smoking.10
Stage 1 hypertension: Your healthcare provider will probably recommend lifestyle changes. They may also prescribe medication, depending on your risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or stroke.10
Stage 2 hypertension: Your healthcare provider will likely prescribe both medication and lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.10
Hypertensive crisis: Seek medical attention right away if your blood pressure is this high. You could experience a heart attack, stroke, or something else that can damage your organs or threaten your life.11