Blood Pressure By Age

When you think about your health, it seems natural that there’s a range of change in blood pressure by age. And, in fact, what’s considered normal at an older age might be unhealthy for someone younger.

As you age, your blood pressure will naturally increase. As a teenager, the highest normal blood pressure is 120/80. That’s often considered “textbook” blood pressure and what we all strive to have. However, as you get older it’s normal for your blood pressure to be a little higher.

By the time you hit age 30, normal blood pressure can be higher. The maximum blood pressure you can have and still be considered normal is 134/85. And when you reach 40, the highest normal blood pressure is 137/87.

When you reach 50, your blood pressure can be as high as 142/89 and still not be considered high blood pressure. And above age 60, it can be even higher without a diagnosis of hypertension with a maximum of 147/91.

The Difference Between Your Blood Pressure and Your Pulse

Many people are confused about how blood pressure and pulse are related. These are actually two different numbers that measure completely different things. It helps to understand the difference when you are ready to take care of your health.

Blood pressure is the measurement of blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. This is measured with an instrument called a sphygmomanometer (the top images is a link to Amazon). The actual units of measurement are millimeters of mercury or mmHg.

Blood Pressure Averages

While getting a high blood pressure reading can be upsetting, blood pressure averages are more important than one reading alone. Your blood pressure can vary greatly depending on what you are doing and how you are feeling.

If you have a high blood pressure reading, you should start paying more attention to your numbers but it does not necessarily mean you have hypertension. Let us take a look at a few things that can cause blood pressure to spike abnormally.

If you take your blood pressure when you’re very stressed or anxious you might get a high reading. That does not mean that your blood pressure is always high – just that your body is reacting to a stressful situation.