What is normal blood pressure for each age group?
Below you will find the average blood pressure for children and adolescents:
| Old | Systolic (top number) mm Hg | Diastolic (lower number) mm Hg |
|---|---|---|
| Newborns up to 1 month old | 60–90 | 20–60 |
| toddler | 87–105 | 53–66 |
| toddler | 95–105 | 53–66 |
| Preschooler | 95–110 | 56–70 |
| School-age children | 97–112 | 57–71 |
| youth | 112–128 | 66–80 |
In adulthood, average blood pressure varies by age and gender:
| Old | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| 18–39 years old | 110/68 mmHg | 119/70 mmHg |
| 40–59 years | 122/74 mmHg | 124/77 mmHg |
| 60+ years | 139/68 mmHg | 133/69 mmHg |
How age affects blood pressure
The risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension) increases significantly with age. Here are the reasons:
- Stiffer arteries: As you age, your arteries lose some of their elasticity. This can restrict blood flow, which in turn increases blood pressure.
- Plaque formation: Over time, fatty deposits can accumulate in the blood vessels, further restricting blood flow and increasing pressure.
- Hormonal and kidney changes: With increasing age, the regulation of the body's fluid and salt balance can change, which in turn affects blood pressure.
These changes make high blood pressure one of the most important risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and vascular dementia in older adults.
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