Blood Pressure Chart by Age: Normal & High Ranges (mmHg)
Medically reviewed by Medical Advisory Board Last reviewed 2026-07-18
What your numbers mean by age, using current ACC/AHA categories.
Blood pressure chart by age helps you read your numbers fast. The 2017 ACC/AHA guideline sets normal as below 120/80 mmHg for all adults. Average readings rise with age, but the healthy goal stays the same.
A blood pressure chart by age shows how your numbers compare to the healthy range as you get older. Blood pressure is written as two numbers, like 120/80 mmHg. The top number (systolic) is the pressure when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) is the pressure when your heart rests.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) set the same target for every adult. A normal reading is below 120/80 mmHg. This goal does not change with age, even though average readings tend to climb over the years.
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Book An Appointment With A Specialist →High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because it rarely causes symptoms. That is why knowing your numbers matters. This guide explains each category, shows typical readings by age, and tells you when to seek care.
The 2017 ACC/AHA Blood Pressure Categories
The ACC and AHA define five blood pressure categories that apply to all adults. These thresholds come from the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline. Your reading falls into a category based on whichever number is higher.
| Category | Systolic (top, mmHg) | Diastolic (bottom, mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 | and < 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and < 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130–139 | or 80–89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | ≥ 140 | or ≥ 90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | > 180 | and/or > 120 |
A normal reading is below 120/80 mmHg. Note that Stage 1 starts at 130/80, lower than the old 140/90 cutoff. High blood pressure raises your risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. These categories were carried forward and refined in the 2025 ACC/AHA blood pressure guideline, which added a universal treatment target and the PREVENT risk calculator.
Blood Pressure Chart by Age (Typical Readings)
Average blood pressure tends to rise gradually with age, but the healthy target stays below 120/80 mmHg for all adults. The readings below reflect typical averages reported in population data from sources like the CDC. They are not separate goals; they simply show common patterns by age.
| Age group | Typical systolic (mmHg) | Typical diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–29 | 110–120 | 70–78 |
| 30–39 | 113–122 | 73–79 |
| 40–49 | 116–125 | 76–82 |
| 50–59 | 120–130 | 78–84 |
| 60–69 | 125–135 | 76–82 |
| 70+ | 128–140 | 72–80 |
Higher average readings do not mean higher targets are safe. The goal remains under 120/80 mmHg. Talk to your doctor about your personal target. Learn how blood pressure fits into your wider metabolic health picture.
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) means your reading is 130/80 mmHg or higher on repeated checks. The ACC and AHA lowered this threshold in 2017 to catch risk earlier. Even "elevated" readings of 120–129 systolic signal it is time to act.
Hypertension often has no symptoms, so many people do not know they have it. The CDC reports that nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure. Over time, it strains your arteries, heart, and kidneys.
- Normal: below 120/80 mmHg — keep up healthy habits.
- Elevated: 120–129 systolic — lifestyle changes help.
- Stage 1 & 2: 130/80 and up — see your doctor.
High blood pressure often travels with other warning signs. Conditions like insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome frequently raise blood pressure too.
Blood Pressure in Children and When to Worry
Blood pressure in children is judged differently than in adults, using percentiles for age, sex, and height. There is no single "normal" number for kids because healthy ranges grow with the child. A pediatrician compares a child's reading to standardized charts.
For adults, certain readings need urgent action. A reading above 180/120 mmHg is a hypertensive crisis. The AHA advises you to rest a few minutes and recheck.
If it stays above 180/120 mmHg, or you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or stroke symptoms, call 911. Chronic inflammation can also worsen heart risk, which is why markers like CRP levels matter alongside blood pressure.
How to Lower and Track Your Blood Pressure
You can often lower blood pressure with proven lifestyle changes backed by the AHA. Small, steady habits add up to real results over weeks to months. Always pair these steps with your doctor's advice.
- Eat less sodium and more potassium-rich foods.
- Move your body for at least 150 minutes a week.
- Keep a healthy weight and limit alcohol.
- Manage stress and sleep at least seven hours.
- Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed.
Tracking your numbers over time shows whether your plan is working. Measure at the same time each day, seated and rested. Ready to see your full picture? Check your metabolic score or take our free health assessment to find your next step.
What to Look For in a Blood Pressure Monitor
An upper-arm cuff is more accurate than a wrist model. Pick a clinically validated device with a cuff sized to your arm, and take readings seated after five minutes of rest. Models that store readings or sync to an app make it easy to share trends with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal blood pressure reading by age?
A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg for adults of every age, according to the ACC and AHA. Average readings do tend to rise with age, but the healthy target stays the same. A reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure at any age.
Is 120/80 considered high blood pressure?
No, 120/80 mmHg is not high blood pressure, but it sits right at the edge of normal. The ACC and AHA define normal as below 120/80 mmHg. A systolic reading of 120–129 with diastolic under 80 is called "elevated," a signal to improve lifestyle habits before it climbs.
What blood pressure is too high for my age?
Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg or higher is too high at any age, based on the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline. The threshold does not change as you get older. A reading above 180/120 mmHg is a hypertensive crisis and may need emergency care if symptoms are present.
Why does blood pressure increase with age?
Blood pressure tends to increase with age because arteries naturally stiffen and narrow over time. This makes the heart work harder to push blood through, raising the systolic number. While this rise is common, the AHA stresses that the healthy goal of below 120/80 mmHg still applies.
When should I see a doctor about my blood pressure?
See a doctor if your blood pressure is consistently 130/80 mmHg or higher on repeated readings. Call 911 if it exceeds 180/120 mmHg along with chest pain, shortness of breath, or stroke symptoms. Regular checks are key because high blood pressure usually causes no symptoms.
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