Blood pressure is an important indicator of overall health, but it’s just one indicator out of many, and it’s often misunderstood. Understanding normal blood pressure by age helps put blood pressure readings into context and supports informed conversations with a healthcare provider.
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure measures how forcefully blood pushes against artery walls. A blood pressure reading is composed of two numbers, a systolic blood pressure reading (the top number) and a diastolic blood pressure reading (the bottom number). A systolic blood pressure reading measures heart beats, and is measured over the diastolic blood pressure reading, which measures heart rests. Both readings are given in terms of mmHg, or millimeters of mercury.
For many adults, blood pressure readings below 120/80 mmHg are often considered within a normal range, with 120 being the systolic blood pressure reading and 80 being the diastolic blood pressure reading. A “normal range” or “healthy range” is typically between 120/80 mmHg and 90/60 mmHg; higher or lower readings may prompt further evaluation for conditions such as high or low blood pressure.
It is important to remember that these ranges are simply that: ranges. Only a licensed healthcare professional can accurately diagnose high or low blood pressure and help people create a plan to keep blood pressure within an acceptable range.
What is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when blood pumps too forcefully against blood vessels. Healthcare organizations use specific thresholds to classify elevated blood pressure and hypertension.
According to the American Heart Association, a higher-than-normal blood pressure reading for many adults can be classified into several blood pressure categories, including:
- Elevated Blood Pressure – When the top blood pressure number (systolic) is between 120 to 129 mmHg, but the bottom number (diastolic) is still below 80 mmHg.
- Stage 1 Hypertension – When the systolic number is between 130 to 139 or the diastolic number is between 80 to 89.
- Stage 2 Hypertension – When the systolic number is between 140 to 179 or the diastolic number is between 90 to 119.
- Severe Hypertension – When the systolic number is 180 or above and/or the diastolic reading is 120 or above; these blood pressure readings may or may not be accompanied by noticeable symptoms..
- Hypertension Emergency/Hypertensive Crisis – When the systolic number is 180 or above and/or the diastolic reading is 120 or above; these blood pressure readings are accompanied by symptoms like numbness, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Anyone experiencing severely elevated blood pressure readings or concerning symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Anyone whose blood pressure readings are otherwise elevated should still speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to discuss ways to safely lower blood pressure levels.
Potential Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
For some people, high blood pressure presents no symptoms until it reaches the point of hypertensive crisis. When people do experience hypertension symptoms, however, they may present as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and numbness.
Possible Hypertension Causes & Risk Factors
Plenty of factors can increase the risk of high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Those factors can include genetics and family history, a diet high in ultra-processed foods (especially saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium), obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, and age.
Potential Complications of Untreated High Blood Pressure
When not appropriately managed, hypertension may increase the risk of serious health complications like cardiovascular disease (heart disease), heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and kidney disease, according to the American Heart Association.
What is Low Blood Pressure?
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition in which blood pressure is lower than typical levels, which may reduce blood flow to parts of the body.
Low blood pressure readings are generally those where the systolic or diastolic numbers are below 90/60 mmHg.
Potential Symptoms of Low Blood Pressure
Hypotension may have no symptoms or it may present with symptoms like dizziness, confusion, nausea, clammy skin, and fatigue, according to the American Heart Association.
Possible Hypotension Causes & Risk Factors
Potential causes and risk factors for low blood pressure may include blood loss, dehydration, infections, and certain medications.
Potential Complications of Untreated Low Blood Pressure
Short-term minor hypotension is usually not a major cause for concern, although it is still worth speaking to a healthcare professional about. Long-term untreated low blood pressure may increase the odds of dizziness, confusion, and fatigue, which may increase the risk of falls, a significant concern for older adults.
What is a Normal Blood Pressure by Age?
Before 2017, the American Heart Association stated that a high blood pressure reading for adults below the age of 65 was over 140/90 mmHg; for adults 65+, high blood pressure was classified as a reading over 150/80 mmHg. Those guidelines are now obsolete. Instead, the American Heart Association now sets a new threshold for a high blood pressure reading for all adults, regardless of age: 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Under current guidelines, blood pressure readings at or below 120/80 mmHg are generally considered within a healthy range for most adults.
Why Blood Pressure Readings May Change with Age
Managing blood pressure can be more challenging for seniors since blood pressure readings sometimes increase with age. According to the American Heart Association, age-related risks for high blood pressure include the fact that arteries stiffen over time, years of plaque buildup, and a greater likelihood of other health problems.
When numbers change, the top number, or systolic number, is the number most likely to increase with age. While the bottom number, or diastolic number, can also increase with age, sometimes it plateaus or even drops after middle age (roughly around age 50), according to AARP.
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Changes for Older Adults
Family history and age-related changes to the heart are uncontrollable. What is controllable are certain behaviors that can lead to a healthy blood pressure reading (and plenty of other health benefits).
According to the CDC, lifestyle changes and behaviors that all age groups, including older adults, can adopt to potentially improve their heart health may include:
- Regular blood pressure checks
- Taking medications as directed by their healthcare provider
- Enjoying a balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing other health conditions, such as diabetes
- Getting enough physical activity, including a mix of balance, strength-training, and cardio exercises
- Getting enough sleep
- Not smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Managing stress levels
People should discuss any changes in diet, exercise, and medication with a licensed healthcare professional first.
Blood Pressure FAQs
Can drinking lots of water lower blood pressure?
Drinking enough water can keep someone adequately hydrated, which can be part of an overall healthy lifestyle to help maintain a healthy blood pressure. Drinking lots of water, however, is not a standalone treatment for hypertension.
Does high BP cause vomiting?
In severe cases, high blood pressure may cause nausea and subsequent vomiting.
Anyone experiencing symptoms that may suggest a hypertensive crisis should seek immediate medical attention.
What causes low blood pressure?
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, potential causes of low blood pressure include conditions of the autonomic nervous system (e.g., Parkinson’s disease), dehydration, blood loss, and certain medications.
How can someone tell if they have high blood pressure?
Relying on symptoms alone is not a good way to tell if someone has hypertension. The only way to know someone’s blood pressure is to measure it, either with an automatic cuff or with a manual cuff and stethoscope.
What is the new normal blood pressure for seniors?
The new normal blood pressure for seniors, as outlined by the American Heart Association, is the same as adults of other age groups: below 120/80 mmHg, with hypertension for all adults being any reading over 130/80 mmHg.
At Avista Senior Living, we know that many of our residents want to take charge of their health, including their blood pressure. That is why our communities, from our chefs to our caregivers, take the time to learn about each resident’s unique healthcare goals. With this information, our team can work with seniors and their families to support conversations with residents, families, and healthcare providers regarding blood pressure and overall wellness goals.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each individual’s health situation is unique. Readers should consult a licensed healthcare provider for guidance related to their personal health concerns.
Wendy Gores, RN