Blood pressure is an important measure of heart health. It helps assess how well your cardiovascular system is working. Knowing your blood pressure range, including what’s normal and how changes affect your health, is crucial for overall wellness. A normal blood pressure reading is typically below 120/80 mm Hg. This means the top number (systolic pressure) should be less than 120, and the bottom number (diastolic pressure) should be under 80. Blood pressure can change with age, so understanding the normal BP range by age can help in maintaining heart health as you get older.
As we age, blood pressure may naturally increase. Keeping track of the normal BP range by age is helpful for long-term management. For instance, a normal reading for younger adults may differ from what's considered healthy for older adults. Regular check-ups ensure your blood pressure stays in a healthy range. Health insurance plays an essential role in managing high blood pressure. It covers routine check-ups, necessary medications, and specialised care, reducing the financial burden of managing hypertension. It’s wise to check your health insurance policy to see what it covers, ensuring you receive the best care for your condition.
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of blood vessels, primarily arteries, as it flows through the body. It is expressed as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number), which represents the pressure when the heart contracts, and diastolic pressure (the bottom number), which reflects the pressure when the heart relaxes between beats. Understanding the normal BP range is essential for monitoring cardiovascular health and ensuring that blood pressure remains within a healthy range.
What are blood pressure numbers?
Blood pressure readings are typically expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The standard format for reporting blood pressure is systolic pressure over diastolic pressure, such as ‘120/80 mm Hg.’ While blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day in response to various factors, maintaining a consistent range is crucial for cardiovascular health.Referring to a blood pressure chart by age can help individuals understand what is considered a healthy range for different age groups and better manage their heart health.
For men aged 18-39, a healthy blood pressure is 119/70 mm Hg, while for women in the same age group, it is 110/68 mm Hg. In the age bracket of 40-56, healthy blood pressure for men is 124/77 mm Hg, and for women, it is 122/74 mm Hg. For those aged 60 and above, men have a healthy blood pressure reading of 133/69 mm Hg, whereas women have a reading of 139/68 mm Hg.
Blood pressure level range
The following table outlines the blood pressure level normal range and their interpretations:
Blood Pressure Category |
Systolic (mm Hg) |
Diastolic (mm Hg) |
Management |
Dangerously low |
50 or less than 50 |
33 or less than 33 |
A serious situation that necessitates immediate medical care with IV fluids |
Very low |
60 or less than 60 |
40 or less than 40 |
Modifications in lifestyle and medications |
Low |
Less than 90 |
Less than 60 |
Modifications in lifestyle and regular checkups |
Normal |
Less than 120 |
Less than 80 |
Active lifestyle |
Elevated |
Between 120 and 129 |
80 or more than 80 |
Physicians may recommend lifestyle changes |
Hypertension stage I |
Between 130 and 139 |
Between 80 and 89 |
Physicians may prescribe medications and lifestyle changes to reduce heart disease risks |
Hypertension stage II |
Between 140 and 159 |
Between 90 and 99 |
Physicians may prescribe a combination of medications and lifestyle changes |
Hypertensive crisis |
180 or more than 180 |
120 or more than 120 |
Immediate medical attention required |
It is always recommended that people must regualry get a health checkup, where one of the mertircs measured is the blood pressure. With BP under control, a lot of health complications can be prevented. Thus, preventive health check-ups at regular intervals are required to constantly check your blood pressure levels.
Blood pressure vs. heart rate: What's the difference?
Blood pressure and heart rate are often confused, but they measure different things. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood against your artery walls, while heart rate is the number of times your heart beats per minute. High blood pressure doesn’t necessarily mean a high heart rate, and vice versa. Both are important, but they indicate different aspects of cardiovascular health.
Functions of blood pressure in the body
- Oxygen and nutrient transport: Blood pressure ensures that oxygen and essential nutrients reach your organs and tissues through circulation, keeping them healthy and functioning.
- Waste removal: It helps remove carbon dioxide and other waste products from tissues, transporting them to organs like the lungs and kidneys for excretion.
- Temperature regulation: Blood pressure supports body temperature control by distributing heat and adjusting blood flow to the skin when needed.
- Blood clotting: During injury, blood pressure assists in clot formation by transporting platelets and clotting factors to the injury site.
- Hormone distribution: Blood pressure also helps circulate hormones to regulate processes like metabolism, growth, and stress response throughout the body.
What is normal blood pressure?
Normal blood pressure is typically defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg, often written as 120/80 mm Hg. Maintaining blood pressure within this normal BP range is crucial for overall cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other hypertension-related complications.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health conditions. Lifestyle factors, genetics, and underlying medical conditions can contribute to the development of hypertension. Understanding and maintaining normal blood pressure is essential to prevent these serious health issues.
What is low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is characterised by abnormally low blood pressure readings. While some individuals may naturally have low blood pressure without experiencing adverse symptoms, severe hypotension blood pressure readings can lead to dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and inadequate blood flow to vital organs.
Also, read: Low blood pressure diet
How to understand blood pressure reading?
To understand blood pressure readings, note that they consist of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic pressure (top number) measures the force of blood against artery walls during heartbeats, while the diastolic pressure (bottom number) measures this force between beats. A normal BP range is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Readings above this blood pressure range may indicate hypertension, requiring medical attention.
Significance of regular blood pressure checks
Getting regular checks for blood pressure is of extreme importance for the following reasons:
1. Early detection of hypertension
Regular blood pressure checks help in the early detection of hypertension, allowing for timely intervention and management.
2. Prevent health complications
Monitoring blood pressure can prevent serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems by keeping blood pressure within a healthy range.
3. Personalised health management
Regular checks provide crucial data for healthcare providers to create personalised treatment plans, ensuring optimal health management.
4. Track lifestyle impact
Regular monitoring allows individuals to track the impact of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, on their blood pressure.
What are the causes of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, can be caused by various factors, including:
- Genetics
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Stress
- Excessive alcohol consumption
A normal BP range is below 120/80 mm Hg, while a high blood pressure range starts at 130/80 mm Hg and above. Chronic hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure may not present noticeable symptoms. However, severe hypertension can cause:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Chest pain
A normal BP range is below 120/80 mm Hg, while a high blood pressure reading starts at 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Persistent high readings necessitate medical attention to prevent serious health complications.
What are the causes of low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, can be caused by various factors, including:
- Dehydration
- Prolonged bed rest
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Heart problems
- Endocrine disorders
- Certain medications
A normal BP range is typically around 120/80 mm Hg, while a low blood pressure range is generally considered below 90/60 mm Hg. Persistent low blood pressure can result in dizziness, fainting, and, in severe cases, shock.
What are the symptoms of low blood pressure?
Symptoms of low blood pressure, or hypotension, can include:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Lack of concentration
A normal BP range is around 120/80 mm Hg, while a high blood pressure reading starts at 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Recognising these symptoms is important for managing and addressing underlying health issues.
Risks associated with high or low blood pressure on health
Both high and low blood pressure can pose risks to health. Normal blood pressure for adults is typically around 120/80 mm Hg, and maintaining this range is crucial. Elevated blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, while low blood pressure may result in dizziness and fatigue. Regular check-ups help ensure blood pressure remains in the normal range, reducing the risk of these health issues. Awareness and lifestyle adjustments play a vital role in achieving and sustaining normal blood pressure for adults.
High blood pressure:
Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health conditions. Hypertension can damage and weaken the blood vessels in the brain, making them more prone to rupture or blockage, which can lead to a stroke. It can also contribute to other serious health conditions such as aneurysms, vision loss, and metabolic syndrome.
Low blood pressure:
Severe hypotension can lead to dizziness, fainting, shock, and inadequate blood flow to vital organs, posing a risk of organ damage or failure. Persistent low blood pressure can result in insufficient blood flow to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys, posing a risk of organ damage or failure.
Also, read: TSH Normal Range
Who is most at risk for high blood pressure?
Certain groups are more prone to high blood pressure, including:
- Age: Older adults are more likely to experience elevated blood pressure readings, particularly those with systolic readings above 130 mm Hg.
- Family history: A genetic predisposition can increase risk.
- Obesity: Excess weight often correlates with higher blood pressure readings systolic.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to hypertension.
- Poor diet: High sodium intake can elevate blood pressure levels.
Understanding these risk factors is essential for effective prevention and management.