Normal Blood Pressure Values by Age Group

May 22, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Man
Introduction
In adults, normal blood pressure ranges from 90 to 140 mmHg for systolic pressure and from 60 to 90 mmHg for diastolic pressure. In newborns, blood pressure is relatively low immediately after birth, with systolic pressure averaging approximately 70 mmHg and diastolic pressure around 34 mmHg. Between 1 and 6 months of age, blood pressure increases, with systolic pressure exceeding 70 mmHg and diastolic pressure ranging from approximately 30 to 45 mmHg.

Blood pressure reference values vary throughout the day and under different circumstances, fluctuating significantly. Moreover, these values are not static over a person’s lifetime; generally, blood pressure gradually increases with age. So, what are the normal blood pressure ranges for different age groups?

Normal Blood Pressure Ranges by Age Group

Blood pressure consists of two components: systolic pressure (the “upper” number) and diastolic pressure (the “lower” number). Both values change progressively with age. In adults, normal systolic pressure ranges from 90 to 140 mmHg, while normal diastolic pressure falls between 60 and 90 mmHg. In newborns, blood pressure is relatively low—approximately 70 mmHg systolic and 34 mmHg diastolic. Importantly, adult blood pressure standards must not be applied when assessing children. During the first 1–6 months of life, infants’ blood pressure rises slightly, with systolic pressure typically exceeding 70 mmHg and diastolic pressure ranging from 30 to 45 mmHg. Between ages 7 and 12 years, normal systolic pressure lies between 90 and 110 mmHg, and diastolic pressure remains within 60–90 mmHg.

Hypertension is diagnosed when systolic pressure reaches or exceeds 140 mmHg and/or diastolic pressure reaches or exceeds 90 mmHg. This condition is termed “hypertension.” Isolated systolic hypertension refers specifically to cases where only systolic pressure is elevated to ≥140 mmHg, while diastolic pressure remains within the normal range.

Conversely, isolated diastolic hypertension occurs when only diastolic pressure is elevated to ≥90 mmHg. Generally, clinical manifestations and disease severity vary depending on the type of hypertension. However, as age advances, blood pressure tends to rise overall, with systolic pressure increasing more markedly than diastolic pressure. We hope this article has been helpful to you. Wishing you a joyful life and good health!