“Normal” blood pressure varies by age, and for children it also depends on height and sex. Below are widely used clinical reference ranges.
Adults (18 years and older)
For adults, age does not change the definition of normal.
| Category | Systolic (top) | Diastolic (bottom) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | < 120 | < 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | < 80 |
| High BP (Stage 1) | 130–139 | 80–89 |
| High BP (Stage 2) | ≥ 140 | ≥ 90 |
➡️ Normal adult BP: around 120/80 mmHg
Older Adults (60+ years)
- Still ideally < 120/80
- Many doctors consider < 130/80 acceptable if there are no symptoms (like dizziness)
- Slightly higher readings may be tolerated to avoid falls
Children & Teens (1–17 years)
Blood pressure is based on percentiles, not fixed numbers.
General reference (approximate)
| Age | Normal BP (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Newborn (0–1 month) | 60–90 / 20–60 |
| Infant (1–12 months) | 70–100 / 35–65 |
| Toddler (1–2 years) | 90–105 / 55–70 |
| Preschool (3–5 years) | 95–110 / 60–75 |
| School age (6–12 years) | 100–120 / 60–75 |
| Teen (13–17 years) | 110–130 / 65–85 |
➡️ Doctors usually confirm “normal” using age, height, and sex percentile charts.
When to Be Concerned
- Repeated readings ≥130/80 (adults) → talk to a doctor
- Very low BP (e.g., <90/60) with symptoms like dizziness or fainting
- Sudden changes from your usual BP
If you want, tell me:
- Your age
- Recent BP reading
- Whether this is for you, a child, or an elderly person
and I can interpret it more precisely.
