While average blood pressure tends to increase as people age—largely due to the natural stiffening of arteries over time—**the official medical target for normal adult blood pressure remains under 120/80 mm Hg regardless of age**.
### Adult Blood Pressure Categories (Ages 18+)
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), adult blood pressure is classified into these standard categories:
| 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 |
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### Average Readings vs. Healthy Targets
While population studies show that *average* or typical blood pressure shifts as people get older, these averages represent what is commonly measured, **not** what is considered an optimal or risk-free target.
* **Ages 18–39:** Average readings are roughly **110/68 to 119/70 mm Hg**.
* **Ages 40–59:** Average readings typically drift up to **122/74 to 124/77 mm Hg** as midlife vascular changes begin.
* **Ages 60 and older:** Average readings often range around **133/69 to 139/68 mm Hg**. Even though higher numbers are common in older adults (often manifesting as isolated systolic hypertension, where the top number climbs while the bottom stays low), readings consistently at or above 130/80 mm Hg are still clinically defined as high blood pressure.
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### Normal Blood Pressure in Children and Teens
Unlike adults, pediatric blood pressure standards are evaluated based on **age, height, and gender**, because children vary drastically in size. General average ranges include:
* **Newborns (up to 1 month):** 60–90 / 20–60 mm Hg
* **Infants (2 months–1 year):** 87–105 / 53–66 mm Hg
* **Toddlers (1–3 years):** 95–105 / 53–66 mm Hg
* **Preschoolers (3–5 years):** 95–110 / 56–70 mm Hg
* **School-age children (5–10 years):** 97–112 / 57–71 mm Hg
* **Adolescents (10–19 years):** 112–128 / 66–80 mm Hg
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