While **average** blood pressure tends to increase as people get older due to natural stiffening of the arteries, medical guidelines state that the **ideal clinical target (normal blood pressure) for all adults is less than 120/80 mmHg**, regardless of age.
### Adult Blood Pressure Categories
According to standard guidelines (such as the American Heart Association), adult blood pressure is categorized as follows:
| Category | Systolic (Top Number) | | Diastolic (Bottom Number) |
| — | — | — | — |
| **Normal** | Less than 120 | **and** | Less than 80 |
| **Elevated** | 120–129 | **and** | Less than 80 |
| **Hypertension Stage 1** | 130–139 | **or** | 80–89 |
| **Hypertension Stage 2** | 140 or higher | **or** | 90 or higher |
| **Hypertensive Crisis** *(Seek immediate care)* | Higher than 180 | **and/or** | Higher than 120 |
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### Average Blood Pressure Ranges by Age Group
Even though the *target* normal remains under 120/80 mmHg, statistical averages naturally drift upward over time. General averages by age and gender include:
* **Young Adults (18–39 years):**
* *Women:* ~110/68 mmHg
* *Men:* ~119/70 mmHg
* **Middle Age (40–59 years):**
* *Women:* ~122/74 mmHg
* *Men:* ~124/77 mmHg
* *(Note: Post-menopause, women’s blood pressure averages often rise and can slightly surpass men’s due to hormonal shifts).*
* **Older Adults (60+ years):**
* *Women:* ~139/68 mmHg
* *Men:* ~133/69 mmHg
* *While higher averages are common in this age group, readings consistently at or above 130/80 mmHg still indicate hypertension and are often addressed with lifestyle changes or medication.*
—
### Blood Pressure in Children and Teens
Unlike adults, normal blood pressure for infants, children, and adolescents **does** change with age, height, and sex. Pediatric charts use percentiles rather than a single fixed number:
* **Newborns:** Typically range from 60–90 systolic over 20–60 diastolic.
* **Children (Ages 6–13):** Average systolic pressures range from about 85 to 110 mmHg, and diastolic pressures range from 55 to 70 mmHg.
* **Adolescents (Ages 14–18):** Typically average around 110–120 / 65–80 mmHg.
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