What Is Normal Blood Pressure By Age And Gender? | CPR First Aid (2024)

• November 15, 2024

Blood pressure is a key health measure that indicates how hard the heart needs to work to circulate blood through the body. Measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg), blood pressure is recorded as two numbers: systolic (the pressure when the heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure when the heart rests between beats).

Ideal blood pressure is often around 120/80 mm Hg, butdue to natural bodily changes, what’s considered “normal” can vary slightly with age and gender. Knowing thebest time to take blood pressure is also important fordaily activities.

Here is a blood pressure chart that may serve as a guide for understanding blood pressure readings according to the Better Health Channel, a website maintained by the Victoria State Government:

Why Blood Pressure Changes with Age

As people age, arteries can become stiffer and less flexible, causing the heart to work harder to circulate blood. This change can naturally elevate blood pressure, even without underlying health issues. Age-related lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and stress, also impact blood pressure.

Typical Blood Pressure Ranges by Age Group

While the general target for healthy blood pressure remains around 120/80 mm Hg, typical ranges can differ across age groups. Monitoring blood pressure at different life stages can help prevent complications. Regular monitoring, healthy habits, and consulting healthcare providers as needed are crucial for blood pressure management.

Here’s an overview of standard blood pressure ranges by age according to Better Health Channel, a website maintained by Victoria State Government:

For Young Adults (18-35 years)

Young adults typically have more flexible blood vessels, keeping blood pressure lower on average. Lifestyle choices, such as diet, physical activity, and stress levels, greatly influence blood pressure in this age group. High salt intake, sedentary habits, or smoking may lead to elevated levels, while regular exercise and a balanced diet can help maintain healthy blood pressure. A healthy range for this group is usually around:

• Systolic (upper number): 90-120 mm Hg
  • Diastolic (lower number): 60-80 mm Hg

For Middle-Aged Adults (36-55 years)

As people reach middle age, blood vessels may start narrowing, and stress and responsibilities often increase. At this age, lifestyle factors become increasingly important in managing blood pressure. Regular monitoring and healthy dietary adjustments, along with stress management, may be effective in maintaining optimal levels. The typical blood pressure range here tends to be slightly higher:

• Systolic: 110-130 mm Hg
• Diastolic: 70-85 mm Hg

For Older Adults (56 years and above)

For older adults, arterial stiffness and health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease may raise blood pressure. At this stage, careful monitoring is essential. Healthcare providers may tailor target blood pressure ranges based on individual health, and lifestyle adjustments like reducing sodium intake and staying active are particularly beneficial. Higher readings are common and may still be considered healthy for this age group:

• Systolic: 120-140 mm Hg
• Diastolic: 80-90 mm Hg

How Gender Affects Blood Pressure

Blood pressure varies naturally between genders due to physiological and hormonal factors. While both men and women are susceptible to high blood pressure, certain patterns and risks are associated.

Based on 2022 data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey, over one in ten (11.6% or 3.0 million) people reported having hypertension in 2022, a slight increase since 2011–12 (10.2%). Males and females had similar rates of hypertension (11.7% and 11.6%).

Differences in Blood Pressure Between Men and Women

• Before Age 55: Men typically have higher blood pressure than women, partly due to hormonal differences and lifestyle factors.
• After Age 55: Post-menopausal women experience an increased risk of high blood pressure, partly due to declining oestrogen levels, which can make arteries stiffer.
• Pregnancy and Blood Pressure: Some women experience blood pressure issues during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia, which requires careful management.

How to Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure

Maintaining healthy blood pressure involves monitoring and lifestyle management for all ages and genders. Here are some helpful tips:

Lifestyle Tips

• Regular Check-ups: Regularly monitoring your blood pressure can help catch early signs of high or low blood pressure, allowing you to make timely adjustments.
• Stress Management: Incorporating relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and meditation, can reduce stress-related blood pressure spikes.

Diet and Exercise

• Diet: Knowing what food is best for the heart is vital to maintaining healthy blood pressure. Aim to limit salt intake, reduce processed foods, and add potassium-rich foods such as bananas, leafy greens, and avocados.
• Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per week to strengthen the heart and improve blood flow.

Conclusion

Heart health advice is often tailored differently for men and women. Understanding how age and gender affect blood pressure helps modify health strategies to individual needs. By regularly monitoring blood pressure, adopting a balanced diet, managing stress, and staying active, you can maintain a healthy blood pressure at any stage of life.

Visit the CPR First Aid website for more tips!