Blood Pressure Chart: High, Low, Normal Readings

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2017/11/19 - Updated: 2025/02/11
Publication Type: Charts, Graphs, Tables
Topic: Medical Calculators and Charts - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: The blood pressure chart and accompanying information provided by Disabled World is a valuable resource for understanding and monitoring cardiovascular health. It offers a comprehensive overview of blood pressure ranges, including normal, elevated, and hypertensive levels, along with age-specific guidelines. The chart clearly illustrates the systolic and diastolic pressure values associated with different health statuses, making it easy for individuals to interpret their own readings. Additionally, the article provides insights into factors affecting blood pressure, measurement techniques, and important facts about blood pressure variations across different demographics. This information allows readers to better understand their blood pressure readings and recognize potential health risks - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

NOTE: High blood pressure often does not cause any signs of illness that you can see or feel. It is important to make an appointment with your doctor or another healthcare provider to check your blood pressure.

Main Item

What Does Blood Pressure Refer To?

Blood pressure refers to the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels and constitutes one of the body's principal vital signs. The pressure of the circulating blood decreases as blood moves through your arteries, arterioles, capillaries, and veins. The term blood pressure generally refers to your arterial pressure, i.e., the pressure in the larger arteries, arteries being the blood vessels that take blood away from the heart. Blood pressure is always given as two numbers;

When the measurements are written, both are written as one above or before, the other with the systolic being the first number, for example, 120/75 (120 over 75). Blood pressure measurement is NOT the same as your heart rate (pulse) or maximum heart rate measurement. Check what your heart rate for your age should be. You can calculate your predicted maximum heart rate by using the calculation: 220 - (age) = Age Predicted Maximum Heart Rate - or see our Target Heart Rate Calculator and Chart.

Measuring Your Blood Pressure

Healthcare professionals use a stethoscope and a manual sphygmomanometer to measure your blood pressure. Typically, they take the reading above your elbow. The sphygmomanometer has a bladder, cuff, bulb, and gauge. When the bulb is pumped, it inflates the bladder inside the cuff wrapped around your arm. This inflation will stop the blood flow in your arteries.

The stethoscope is used to listen for the sound of the heartbeat, and no sound indicates no flow. As the pressure is released from the bladder, you will hear the blood flowing again. That point becomes reading your blood pressure systolic. The diastolic reading is when you hear no sound again, which means the blood flow is back to normal.

Blood Pressure Chart For Adults

Blood Pressure Reading for Adults
Blood PressureSystolic mm HgDiastolic mm Hg
Normal Less Than 120 and Less Than 80
Blood pressure numbers of less than 120/80 are considered within the normal range. Keep up heart-healthy habits, follow a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
Elevated 120 - 129 and Less Than 80
This level of blood pressure is when readings consistently range from 120-129 systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic. Steps should be taken to control your blood pressure.
Hypertension Stage 1 130 - 139 or 80 - 89
At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe lifestyle changes. They may consider adding blood pressure medication based on your risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack or stroke.
Hypertension Stage 2 140 or Over or 90 or Over
At this stage of high blood pressure, doctors are likely to prescribe a combination of blood pressure medications and lifestyle changes.
Hypertensive Crisis Over 180 and/or Over 120
This level of high blood pressure requires medical attention immediately. You may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness or weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking.
Normal, healthy, and unhealthy blood pressure ranges as recommended by the American Heart Association.


Blood Pressure Chart By Age

Creating a comprehensive blood pressure chart by age involves several factors, including gender and health status. However, here's a general guideline for blood pressure ranges by age for adults:

Blood Pressure by Age Table
Age Group Systolic BP (mm Hg) Diastolic BP (mm Hg)
18-29 120-129 80-84
30-39 120-129 80-84
40-49 130-139 85-89
50-59 130-139 85-89
60+ 140 or higher 90 or higher

NOTE: These ranges are based on guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association. However, individual health conditions and other factors may influence what's considered a normal range for blood pressure. A healthcare provider recommends you get your blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure (or other related conditions), your doctor may recommend getting it checked more often.

Human Blood Pressure Facts

Printable High, Low, Normal Blood Pressure Chart

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Printable blood pressure chart.
Save, download, or print the blood pressure chart.
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Nearly half, over 119 million, American adults have high blood pressure. But only about 1 in 4 of those people have their condition under control. Many people develop high blood pressure when they are in their late 30's or early 40's, and it occurs more frequently as people age. However, because of the obesity epidemic, more and more children are also developing high blood pressure - fda.gov

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, .

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2017, November 19 - Last revised: 2025, February 11). Blood Pressure Chart: High, Low, Normal Readings. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved April 30, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/bloodpressurechart.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/calculators-charts/bloodpressurechart.php">Blood Pressure Chart: High, Low, Normal Readings</a>: Describes the significance of blood pressure readings, encompassing the ranges for normal, optimal, and concerning levels across different age groups.

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