Understanding Normal BP Range By Age and Gender

Are you facing anger issues? If yes, it might be a sign of hypertension or high blood pressure. 

Blood pressure is necessary for smooth blood flow from the heart to different organs and tissues of the body. It is higher when blood is near the heart, whereas it is low when away from it. 

Knowing the normal BP range is important, as it can help prevent severe health complications. In this blog, we will update you on the normal BP range. 

About Blood Pressure 

Blood pressure is simply the force of blood on artery walls. Normal BP range is important for normal blood flow from the heart to your other body organs and tissues.

Each time the heart beats, it pumps blood into arteries that carry blood throughout the body. This process happens 60 to 100 times a minute, 24 hours a day. Arteries transfer oxygen and nutrients to the body for its effective functioning. 

The range of your BP depends on many factors, including the amount of blood your heart is pumping and the diameter of your arteries through which your blood is moving. 

The BP range is measured in millimeters of mercury, i.e., mm/Hg. The normal range is 120/80 mm/Hg. The top is systolic pressure, while the bottom is diastolic pressure. 

Systolic Blood Pressure 

Systolic blood pressure (BP) is the highest reading of your blood pressure. It is the maximum value, i.e., the highest blood pressure during systole. 

When your heart relaxes, it measures the force of blood against your artery walls, and the ventricles refill with blood. 

Diastolic Blood Pressure 

Diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number on the reading. It measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart relaxes and the ventricles are permitted to be refilled with blood. A diastolic reading is the minimum or lowest blood pressure. 

Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are measurements; the only difference is pulse pressure. 

How to Measure Blood Pressure? 

Measuring blood pressure is no rocket science. A doctor may measure your blood pressure to monitor your overall health. It can also detect the risk of developing certain health complications, such as kidney disease, vision problems, and heart disease. 

To measure your blood pressure, your healthcare provider will wrap an inflatable cuff around your arm. Then, they will inflate the cuff, which gently tightens around your arm. This cuff has a gauge that will measure your blood pressure. 

The gauge measures the pressure in your blood vessels using millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). 

Your doctor will slowly let the air out of the cuff while listening to your pulse with a stethoscope. They will not require a stethoscope if they use an automatic blood pressure or digital cuff. The measurement process is quick and painless. 

If your BP range is above or below normal, it's better to get a consultation. They can provide a better and more effective management and treatment solution. 

Normal Blood Pressure By Age

Normal BP range differs by age, gender, and health condition. Doctors refer to the blood pressure chart by age and gender. So, here is a blood pressure chart as per age and gender. 

Category	Systolic (mmHg)	Diastolic (mmHg)
Newborn to 1 month	60-90	20-60
Infants	87-105	53-66
Toddlers	95-105	53-66
Preschoolers	95-110	56-70
School-Aged Children	97-112	57-71
Adolescents	112-128	66-80

The normal BP range differs between men and women. Here is the BP chart by age for men and women. 

Normal BP range for women
18-39 Years	110/ 68 mmHg
40-59 Years	122/ 74 mmHg
60 years and above	139/68 mmHg
Normal BP range for men
18-39 Years	119/70 mmHg
40-59 Years	124/ 77 mmHg
60 years and above	133/ 69 mmHg

Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Range

Elevated blood pressure indicates a risk of hypertension stage 1, 2, and emergency. 

Category	Systolic	And/or	Diastolic
Expected	< 120 mmHg	And	< 80 mmHg
Elevated (prehypertension)	120-129 mmHg	And	< 80 mmHg
Hypertension stage 1	130-139 mmHg	Or	80-89 mmHg
Hypertension stage 2	> 140 mmHg	Or	> 90 mmHg
Hypertension crisis (critical situation)	> 180 mmHg	and/or	> 120 mmHg

A healthcare provider may recommend medications for lowering blood pressure, especially for people who have had heart attacks or strokes. They can also recommend measuring blood pressure for people with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. 

Reason for Low BP Range 

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is not as critical as high blood pressure; however, it can still cause certain health issues. 

Dizziness is a common symptom of low BP. However, a person with low blood pressure range can face symptoms such as 

• Heart palpitation 
• Confusion 
• Memory loss 
• Headaches 
• Lightheadedness 
• Blurred vision 

Hypotension or low blood pressure can happen because of: 

• Internal bleeding 
• Dehydration 
• Certain medications 
• Low sugar levels 
• Heart diseases 
• Pregnancy 
• Nutrient deficiencies 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/blood-pressure/essential-blood-tests-for-low-blood-pressure/ 

Tips to Treat Low BP Range

Low blood pressure disappears soonest. Here are some tips through which you can treat low blood pressure.

• Add lots of fruits to your diet. 
• Drink more fluids, like water and herbal tea, to prevent dehydration. 
• Cut down on alcoholic drinks. 
• Exercise regularly or at least 30 minutes daily. 
• Take time to sit or stand. 
• Don’t lift too heavy a weight. 
• Avoid standing still for a prolonged period. 
• Avoid too much exposure to hot water, such as spas or saunas. 
• Try eating smaller portions to avoid dizziness 
• Avoid the consumption of over-the-counter medications 

Reason for High BP Range

High blood pressure, or ‘hypertension,’ is most common in India. India has around 24% to 28% of people living with hypertension. 

Experts refer to high BP as a ‘silent killer’, as it damages blood vessels, the heart, and other organs if left untreated. 

Hypertension has no noticeable symptoms initially; however, as soon as the level rises. A person can feel symptoms such as 

• Dizziness 
• Headaches 
• Chest pain 
• Shortness of breath 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Nosebleeding 
• Vision problems 
• Nausea 
• Flushing or feeling of warmth in the face
• Persistent coughing 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Blood in the urine 
• Trouble sleeping 

Causes of High Blood Pressure 

High blood pressure can happen because of various factors, including: 

1. Genetics 

2. Age 

3. Lifestyle factors 

• Poor diet 
• Smoking 
• Stress 
• Obese or overweight 
• Excessive consumption of alcohol 
• Lack of physical activity 

2. Medical condition 

• Thyroid problem 
• Sleep apnea 
• Diabetes 
• Adrenal gland disorders 
• Kidney disease 

3. Certain medications (birth control pills and steroids)

Health complications of High Blood Pressure 

Hypertension can cause major health complications, such as heart damage, aneurysms, kidney problems, eye problems, stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism, sleep apnea, pregnancy complications, and metabolic syndrome. 

Check out essential blood tests for hypertension https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/lab-test/essential-blood-tests-to-diagnose-high-blood-pressure/ 

Tips to Treat High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can increase the risk of damaging blood vessels in the kidneys and affect their functioning. It is important to notice symptoms and take preventive steps immediately. If left untreated, it can damage other organs and cause health complications, such as cardiovascular diseases. 

The best way to treat hypertension is through lifestyle modifications, which include: 

• Weight management
• Quit smoking 
• Practice deep-breathing exercises 
• Avoid or limit alcohol 
• Eat a low-sodium and low-fat diet. 
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure, especially after reaching the age of 35 
• Cut on caffeine 
• Avoid taking too much stress 
• Take only prescribed medications 

1. Calcium channel blockers

2. Vasodilators 

3. Alpha-blockers 

4. ACE inhibitors

5. Diuretics 

Key Takeaways 

Blood pressure is important for normal blood flow. You should monitor your blood pressure in a timely manner to determine the normal range and prevent health complications. A number higher than normal indicates hypertension, while a number below indicates hypotension. Redcliffe Labs offers a BP monitoring package at INR 499. This package can track your BP levels over time and help diagnose and manage hypertension and related health risks.