Why Blood Pressure Matters
Blood pressure is the measurement of the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it through your body. It is one of the most significant markers of cardiovascular health and a key factor in identifying risks before they turn into medical crises.
While an "ideal" blood pressure is often cited as 120/80 mmHg, what is considered "normal" can vary slightly based on age, medical history, and individual health factors.
General Blood Pressure Guidelines
For most adults, the following chart serves as a primary guideline:
Category Systolic (Top Number) mm Hg Diastolic (Bottom Number) mm Hg
Low Less than 90 Less than 60
Optimal Less than 120 Less than 80
Normal 120–129 80–84
Normal to High 130–139 85–89
High Greater than 140 Greater than 90
Blood Pressure by Age GroupChildren and Adolescents
Pediatric blood pressure ranges are generally lower and increase steadily as the child grows:
Age Group Systolic (Top Number) mm Hg Diastolic (Bottom Number) mm Hg
Newborns (up to 1 month) 60–90 20–60
Infants 87–105 53–66
Toddlers 95–105 53–66
Preschoolers 95–110 56–70
School-age Children 97–112 57–71
Adolescents 112–128 66–80
Adults: Average Values by Age and Gender
In adulthood, averages tend to shift based on biological sex and the natural aging process:
