Normal Blood Pressure Values According to Age: Complete Guide

 

Blood pressure changes with age, and knowing the normal values for each group is essential to stay healthy. Here's a simple guide to when your blood pressure is normal and when to worry.

 

Checking your blood pressure regularly is crucial for monitoring cardiovascular health. But what are the values considered "normal"? And above all: do they change according to age?

The answer is yes. Although there is a valid reference range for the general population, it is important to know that as the years go by, the values tend to vary physiologically. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you find your way around.

What is meant by blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the force with which blood flows through the arteries. It is measured with two values:

Systolic (maximum): the pressure when the heart contracts

Diastolic (minimal): the pressure when the heart relaxes

A value is considered normal when it falls around 120/80 mmHg, but there are tolerances related to age, sex, lifestyle and any clinical conditions.

Indicative blood pressure values according to age

Age group

Recommended normal pressure (mmHg)

• 18 – 29 years 115–120 /75–80
• 30 – 39 years 120–125 / 78–82
• 40 – 49 years 125–130 / 80–85
• 50 – 59 years 130–135 / 80–86
• 60 – 69 years 135–140 / 85–88
• Over 70 yearsup to 140–145 / 85–90 (tolerated)

Note: These values are indicative and are not a substitute for a medical evaluation. Each person has different characteristics.

When do we talk about hypertension?

According to the WHO and European guidelines:

• Grade 1 hypertension: 140/90 mmHg and above
• Hypotension: values less than 90/60 mmHg
• Too low blood pressure can also cause problems: dizziness, chronic fatigue, fainting.

• Why do values change with age?

  As we age:

  • Arteries become less elastic
  • The heart may have a harder time pumping blood
  • Pressure self-regulating mechanisms slow down

  For this reason, slightly higher values after the age of 60 are considered normal or at least tolerable, as long as there are no associated symptoms or pathologies.

  Tips to keep your blood pressure under control

  Eat a diet low in salt and high in fruits and vegetables

  Maintain a healthy weight

  Do moderate but regular physical activity

  Reduce alcohol consumption and quit smoking

  Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home or at the pharmacy

  Blood pressure values vary according to age, but it is important not to neglect even small changes, especially if they are recurring. Measuring consistently and knowing your reference values is the first step to preventing heart problems, strokes and vascular complications