Blood Pressure Readings by Age

Blood pressure is something that sparks terror in the hearts of the bravest men (and women!). Understanding what blood pressure means and what the regular and irregular rates are, we can maintain a healthy heart and lead a good, full life.

Blood Pressure

Before we move on to the blood pressure rates, it is important that we understand what exactly high or low blood pressure means.

The pumping of the heart makes the blood flow through the blood vessels in the body. The pressure which falls on the walls of the arteries as the blood makes its way through the blood vessels in the body is known as blood pressure. The reading is not a single number, but two numbers: the systolic and the diastolic blood pressure. The former is measured when the heart beats, while the latter is measured in the next split second while the heart is at rest. Thus, a blood pressure reading always gives to numbers, a high and a lower number-in that order. The systolic rate is understandably higher, as more pressure falls on the walls of the artery when the heart beats. It is essential to measure both these numbers as one should know the impact of both the pressures: the constant one and the extra pressure which falls when the heart beats.

Optimum Blood Pressure Chart

The normal blood pressure readings remain the same for all ages and sexes. Hence, the following high blood pressure readings and low blood pressure readings apply to all the people.

Systolic BP/Diastolic BP	Category
90-110/60-69	Low
120-139/80-89	Normal
140-159/90-99	Pre Hypertension Pressure
160-200/100-120	High
>200>120	Very High

Dangers of High Blood Pressure

It's commonly known as hypertension. Many people fear the problem of a high blood pressure. One of the worst things about a high blood pressure is that the symptoms are not very obvious and hence high blood pressure has earned the sobriquet: the silent killer. The symptoms of high blood pressure are quite veiled and include headaches, dizziness, fatigue and pounding in the chest, neck and ears. The health risks of abnormal blood pressure, on the other hand, are less discreet and include heart diseases, due to an increased pressure on the heart to pump. The risk of getting a stroke are also high. Higher than normal blood pressure can be curbed with a combination of a healthy, low-sodium, low fat diet and adequate exercise.

As you can see, the normal rate is the same for all ages. Symptoms of high blood pressure may not always show up, hence it is essential to be regular in taking blood pressure readings to ensure that it remains in the normal range.