Blood pressure is an important measure of your overall health and can be used to assess your risk of developing various medical conditions, such as stroke and heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that everyone check their blood pressure at least once a year. Knowing your blood pressure is important because it helps you and your doctor to monitor and manage your health. This is why it is important to understand the different blood pressure ranges by age and gender.
The AHA recommends that everyone check their blood pressure at least once a year. Knowing your blood pressure is important because it helps you and your doctor to monitor and manage your health. The AHA provides a chart that gives the recommended blood pressure ranges for adults by age and gender. This chart is based on the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) High Blood Pressure Guideline.
Blood Pressure Ranges for Adults by Age and Gender
The blood pressure chart by age and gender provides the recommended ranges for adults. Generally, the higher your age, the higher your blood pressure should be. For women, the blood pressure ranges are slightly lower than for men. The chart below provides the recommended blood pressure ranges for adults by age and gender.
Table: Blood Pressure Chart by Age and Gender 2021
| Age | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 18-24 | 115/75 | 115/75 |
| 25-34 | 120/80 | 120/80 |
| 35-44 | 125/85 | 125/85 |
| 45-54 | 130/90 | 130/90 |
| 55-64 | 135/95 | 135/95 |
| 65+ | 140/95 | 140/95 |
It is important to remember that these are just guidelines and that your individual blood pressure readings may vary. Everyone’s body is different, so it is important to discuss your own blood pressure readings with your doctor.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
The two numbers in the blood pressure chart by age and gender refer to the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. The systolic reading is the first number and is the highest pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The diastolic reading is the second number and is the lowest pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Your blood pressure numbers can also be used to categorize your risk for developing various medical conditions. Generally, a systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or lower and a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mmHg or lower is considered normal. A systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher and a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure, or hypertension. A systolic blood pressure between 120 and 139 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mmHg is considered pre-hypertension.
Conclusion
It is important to understand the different blood pressure ranges by age and gender. The AHA provides a chart that gives the recommended blood pressure ranges for adults by age and gender. The two numbers in the chart refer to the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings. Knowing your blood pressure is important because it helps you and your doctor to monitor and manage your health.
If your blood pressure readings are higher than the recommended ranges, speak with your doctor. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing various medical conditions.