Average Ranges Show Normal Pressure On the Arteries

By Sheryl Huggins Salomon 

 Medically reviewed by Jeffrey S. Lander, MD

A blood pressure chart can help you interpret your results to see how they compare to the normal ranges.

Monitoring your blood pressure (BP) is an important part of maintaining your health. Blood pressure measures the force pressed against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body. Average blood pressure tends to differ by sex and rise with age.

This article covers how healthcare providers differentiate between "normal" blood pressure and hypertension (high blood pressure) and includes a blood pressure chart by age and gender. It also discusses the health risks involved with hypertension, how to monitor your blood pressure, and when to call your healthcare provider.

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 heartbeat.

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.

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.

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.

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

What is considered healthy for your child also varies by height, age, and sex. You can use Baylor College of Medicine's calculator to see if your child’s blood pressure reading is in a healthy range.

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.

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 for women. It rose with age and was significantly higher in Black people.

The researchers found the following breakdown by age, sex, and race or ethnicity in this blood pressure chart:

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.

How High Blood Pressure Is Diagnosed

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.

• 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.

• Stage 2 hypertension: Your healthcare provider will likely prescribe both medication and lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.

• 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.

How Blood Pressure Is Measured

Blood pressure testing stations can be found in pharmacies, workplaces, and medical clinics. You can also buy a blood pressure monitor online or at your local pharmacy.

To measure blood pressure, a cuff attached to a monitor is placed on your arm. The cuff is then inflated with an air pump until its pressure stops blood flow from your brachial artery—the major artery found in your upper arm.

As the cuff deflates, the device measures the pressure when blood starts flowing again (systolic pressure). Once the cuff is completely deflated, the device gauges the lowest pressure between beats (diastolic pressure).

Typically, more attention is given to the systolic pressure reading, as systolic blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people over the age of 50. Still, both readings are used to make a diagnosis.

How to Take Your Blood Pressure

If you're taking your blood pressure at home, there are certain steps you can take to get the most accurate reading possible.

Getting Started

The goal is to measure your blood pressure at its most stable. Hence, it's good practice to rest for five minutes in a calm environment before getting started. The AHA also advises against smoking, exercising, or drinking caffeinated beverages within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.

Proper Cuff Size

Healthcare providers often keep one default cuff in the examining room, which is generally meant to be used for people of "average" height and weight. If you are larger or smaller than average, the default cuff will not produce an accurate reading, and a more appropriately sized cuff should be used.

Official guidelines specify the following cuff sizes:

• Small adult cuff: For arm circumferences of 22 to 26 centimeters (cm)

• Adult cuff: For arm circumferences of 27 to 34 cm

• Large adult cuff: For arm circumferences of 35 to 44 cm

• Adult thigh cuff: For arm circumferences of 45 to 52 cm

Proper Positioning

Find someplace to sit where your body is well supported in an upright position and your feet are flat on the ground. Consider sitting at a table or desk and relaxing your arm on the tabletop. The cuffed part of your arm should be supported at the same level as your heart.

The bottom of the cuff should be placed just above the bend of your elbow and directly against your skin. Be sure to roll up your sleeves if you are wearing them, and remove any layers that are in the way.

Take Multiple Readings

One blood pressure reading is not enough to get an accurate measurement. Things like temperature and stress can change blood pressure, so more than one reading allows you to correct for these variations.

More than one reading should be taken during healthcare provider's visits, too—ideally once at the beginning of your visit and once at the end.

Choosing a Blood Pressure Monitor

If you're planning to take your blood pressure at home, it's important to have a reliable blood pressure monitor. The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep (upper-arm) monitor, but there are other options.

When selecting a blood pressure monitor, consider the following:

• Fit: To ensure a proper fit, measure around your upper arm and choose a monitor that comes with the correct size cuff. 

• Number of people: If more than one person will be using the monitor, make sure to choose one that fits everyone.

• Features: Some blood pressure monitors offer extra tech features, like Bluetooth and app connectivity. If you don't think you'll benefit from these extras, go ahead and choose one that is efficient, easy to use, and more affordable. 

• Budget: High-quality blood pressure monitors vary dramatically in price, from around $25 to well over $100. Keep in mind that a good monitor is a great investment and that you will be using it daily for several years. 

• Other considerations: The AHA notes that when selecting a blood pressure monitor for a senior, pregnant person, or child, you should make sure it is validated for these conditions.

If you need help selecting an at-home device, check out these blood pressure monitors, which were vetted by the Verywell team based on the above criteria.

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

Risk factors for hypertension include:

• Little or no exercise: People who do not exercise regularly are at a greater risk of hypertension and heart disease.

• Unhealthy diet: Diets that are high in salt, sugar, saturated fat, and trans fat are linked to high blood pressure and increased risk to your cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels).

• Obesity: Being overweight or obese makes your heart work harder to move blood and oxygen through your body.

• Tobacco exposure: Smoking tobacco or being exposed to secondhand smoke can damage arteries and raise blood pressure.

• Binge drinking: Drinking too much regularly is associated with high blood pressure and other heart problems.

• Family history: High blood pressure tends to run in families.

• Age and sex: Men are more likely to have high blood pressure, but the risk increases for everyone with age.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

A hypertensive crisis—defined as blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hg—requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you have hypertension with any of the following symptoms:

• Chest or back pain

• Difficulty speaking

• Shortness of breath

• Vision change

• Weakness or numbness

Summary

Blood pressure increases with age, but exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking can help lower your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). Seeing your healthcare provider for regular blood pressure checks and learning to check your own can help you stay healthy.

Sources

Virani S, Alonso A, Aparicio H, et al. Heart disease and stroke statistics—2021 update. Circulation. 2021 Jan;143(8):254-743. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000950

American Heart Association. What is high blood pressure?

University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Vital signs: normal blood pressure (mmHg) (PICU chart).

NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). Worldwide trends in blood pressure from 1975 to 2015: a pooled analysis of 1479 population-based measurement studies with 19·1 million participants. Lancet. 2017 Jan;389(10064):37-55. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31919-5

Wright JD, Hughes JP, Ostchega Y, Yoon SS, Nwankwo T. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adults aged 18 and over in the United States, 2001-2008. Natl Health Stat Report. 2011 Mar;(35):1-22, 24.

American Heart Association. Understanding blood pressure readings.

American Heart Association. Hypertensive crisis: When you should call 911 for high blood pressure.

National Institute on Aging. High blood pressure.

American Heart Association. Monitoring your blood pressure at home.

Irving G, Holden J, Stevens R, Mcmanus RJ. Which cuff should I use? Indirect blood pressure measurement for the diagnosis of hypertension in patients with obesity: a diagnostic accuracy review. BMJ Open. 2016 Nov;6(11):e012429. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012429

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Know your risk for high blood pressure.

Harvard Health Publishing. Which blood pressure number is important?. Published February 2021.

By Sheryl Huggins Salomon
Sheryl Huggins Salomon is a veteran editor and health journalist specializing in coverage of metabolic health, skin conditions, and BIPOC health trends.