What Are Normal Blood Pressure Ranges by Age and Gender?
Normal blood pressure for everyone, regardless of age or gender, is 120 over 80 or lower, according to the National Institute on Aging. Older adults, however, may have higher blood pressure.
Prehypertension typically occurs when the systolic pressure, or the first number, is between 120 and 139 and the bottom number, diastolic pressure, is between 80 and 89, claims the National Institute on Aging. This can lead to high blood pressure if not taken care of. High blood pressure occurs when the systolic pressure is over 140 and the diastolic pressure is over 90. There is also a condition called isolated systolic hypertension where the systolic pressure is high but the diastolic pressure is low. This situation is just as dangerous as high blood pressure.
To keep blood pressure normal, there are a number of things a person can do, explains the National Institute on Aging. Keeping a normal weight and exercising every day are two things a person can do to keep blood pressure in order. Eating a healthy diet, getting regular sleep, cutting down on salt, and limiting alcohol are also recommended to help keep blood pressure low. It is also important for people with higher blood pressure than normal to quit smoking.
