Blood Pressure Chart by Age
Last updated: July 2026
A blood pressure reading has two numbers: systolic (the pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic (the pressure between beats), measured in mmHg. This guide shows the standard blood pressure chart used by clinicians, typical average readings by age group, and what to do once you know where your numbers fall.
One reading is a snapshot, not a diagnosis. Blood pressure moves with time of day, stress, caffeine, and activity, which is why doctors look at averages from repeated home measurements before drawing conclusions.
The blood pressure chart
These are the adult categories used by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. A reading falls into a higher category if either number qualifies — 118/85 mmHg counts as stage 1 hypertension because of the diastolic value.
| Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | Below 90 | and/or | Below 60 |
| Normal | Below 120 | and | Below 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and | Below 80 |
| Hypertension stage 1 | 130–139 | or | 80–89 |
| Hypertension stage 2 | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive crisis | Higher than 180 | and/or | Higher than 120 |
European guidelines (ESC/ESH) draw the treatment line slightly differently — hypertension starts at 140/90 mmHg, with 130–139/85–89 called "high-normal." Your doctor will use the standard for your country. A reading above 180/120 with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or vision changes is an emergency: call your local emergency number.
Average blood pressure by age
The chart above applies to all adults — current US guidelines do not set different "normal" targets for different ages. What does change with age is what's typical: arteries stiffen over time, so average systolic pressure tends to climb. The figures below are population averages, not targets.
| Age group | Typical average (mmHg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 18–39 | ≈ 110–120 / 68–78 | Often at the lower end, especially in women |
| 40–59 | ≈ 120–130 / 74–82 | Systolic pressure begins to rise |
| 60+ | ≈ 130–140 / 68–80 | Systolic often rises while diastolic falls |
Being "typical for your age" is not the same as being healthy: a 65-year-old averaging 145/85 is common and still has stage 2 hypertension worth discussing with a doctor. For older adults, target blood pressure is individualized — frailty, other conditions, and medications all factor in, which is another reason age-based charts should guide questions, not decisions.
Which number matters more?
Both. Systolic pressure is the stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk after about age 50, which is why doctors often focus on it in older adults. In younger adults, an elevated diastolic number is just as meaningful. And the gap between the two — pulse pressure — carries information of its own; a very wide gap in older adults can signal stiffening arteries.
Some apps and clinicians also track mean arterial pressure (MAP), a weighted average of the two numbers that estimates the pressure your organs actually experience through the whole heartbeat cycle.
What to do with your numbers
If a single reading is high, don't panic — rest five minutes and measure again. What matters is the pattern:
- Normal: keep the habits that got you there, and re-check a few times a year.
- Elevated or stage 1: measure at home for a week using a proper technique, then bring the average to your doctor. Lifestyle changes — see how to lower blood pressure naturally — are usually the first step.
- Stage 2: book an appointment. Bring a log of recent readings; it makes the visit far more productive than one office measurement.
- Above 180/120: re-measure after a few minutes. If it's still that high, or you have symptoms, seek emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal blood pressure for a 70-year-old?
The same categories apply: below 120/80 mmHg is normal. Many people over 70 run higher, and treatment targets are often individualized by a doctor, but there is no separate "normal for 70" — an average of 150/90 is hypertension at any age.
Is 150/90 acceptable for older adults?
It falls in stage 2 hypertension on the standard chart. Some older adults are managed to more relaxed targets because of frailty or medication side effects, but that is a decision to make with a doctor — not a range to accept by default.
What blood pressure is too low?
Readings below about 90/60 mmHg count as low (hypotension). If you feel fine, low readings are often harmless; if they come with dizziness, fainting, or fatigue, see our guide to low blood pressure and talk to your doctor.
How often should I check my blood pressure?
With normal readings, a few checks per year are enough. If your readings are elevated, or you're starting or changing medication, a common protocol is twice daily (morning and evening) for 7 days, then averaging the results — see how to measure at home.
