Blood pressure is usually expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and varies naturally based on activity, stress, and time of day.
Blood pressure categories typically include:
Low blood pressure: systolic less than 90 mm Hg or diastolic less than 60 mm Hg
Optimal blood pressure: systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg
Normal blood pressure: systolic 120–129 mm Hg or diastolic 80–84 mm Hg
Elevated blood pressure: systolic 130–139 mm Hg or diastolic 85–89 mm Hg
High blood pressure (hypertension): systolic 140 mm Hg or higher or diastolic 90 mm Hg or higher
Blood pressure readings that consistently fall in the elevated or high range require clinical attention to prevent long-term complications.
- Age-specific blood pressure ranges
Blood pressure norms differ across age groups due to physiological changes and developmental factors. Recognizing age-specific ranges helps healthcare providers diagnose and manage hypertension accurately.
Children and
