Average Blood Pressure by Age: What You Need to Know (2025)

Pediatric Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure ranges vary in children. Pediatric blood pressure calculators, such as the one offered by BaylorCollege of Medicine, can help determine if a child’s blood pressure reading is in a healthy range.

Adolescents aged 13 and older:

• Normal blood pressure is the same as in adults, with a reading of less than 120/80 mmHg.
• Elevated blood pressure is defined as a systolic reading greater than 120 mmHg and a diastolic reading less than 80 mmHg.
• High blood pressure in stage 1 is between 130/80 and 139/89 mmHg.
• High blood pressure in stage 2 is greater than or equal to 140/90.

Kids under 13 years old: A child's sex, age, and height are used to determine which percentile for blood pressure the child falls in. For example, if a child's blood pressure falls in the 50th percentile, then 50% of the other children of that same age, sex, and height have lower blood pressure.

• Normal blood pressure is below the 90th percentile for the child's sex, age, and height.
• Elevated blood pressure is between the 90th and 94th percentile or 120/80 mmHg, whichever is lower.
• High blood pressure stage 1 is the 95th percentile or greater to less than the 95th percentile plus 12 mmHg or 130/80 to 139/89 mmHg, whichever is lower.
• High blood pressure stage 2 is greater than or equal to the 95th percentile +12 mmHgor greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg, whichever is lower.

Causes and Risk Factors

Several conditions and factors can contribute to elevated or high blood pressure. These include medical conditions, lifestyles and behaviors, and other personal characteristics like family history.

Medical conditions that may increase blood pressure include the following:

• Diabetes: Can cause hyperglycemia (too much sugar in the blood), which can impact blood pressure in several ways, and heart damage, which can also cause an elevation in blood pressure
• Obesity: Can cause strain on the heart and blood vessels and is linked to other conditions (e.g., diabetes and heart disease) that can cause an increase in blood pressure
• Pregnancy: Can cause an elevation in blood pressure that can place both the pregnant individual and infant at risk

Lifestyle factors that can contribute to an increase in blood pressure include the following:

• Diet: Too much sodium (salt) and not enough potassium (found in foods such as bananas and beans) can elevate blood pressure.
• Lack of exercise: Inactivity can lead to an increased weight. Regular physical activity can improve the health of blood vessels and heart. When an individual does not exercise, their heart and blood vessels may not be as healthy.
• Alcohol use: Drinking alcohol can raise blood pressure.
• Tobacco use: Nicotine increases blood pressure, and smoking can cause damage to the heart and blood vessels.
• Dehydration: While more research is needed, it is possible that not drinking enough fluids can increase blood pressure, while drinking enough water may lower it.

Other factors that can contribute to an increase in blood pressure include the following:

• Age: Blood pressure increases as you age, and approximately nine in 10 Americans will develop high blood pressure at some point.
• Genetics: People with a family history of high blood pressure may be at a higher risk of developing it.
• Race and ethnicity: Some groups of people are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. For example, Black individuals are at a greater risk of developing high blood pressure and may develop high blood pressure earlier in life.

Pediatric considerations: Primary hypertension (blood pressure without an underlying cause) is more common in older children and adults. In young kids, high blood pressure is often secondary hypertension caused by an underlying health condition such as kidney disease, endocrine or cardiac conditions, and some medications.

Treatment

A consistent rise in your blood pressure over time comes with an increased risk to your health. A hypertensive crisis, which is measured at 180/120, is a sharp increase in blood pressure that may cause a stroke.

Steps to prevent or treat high blood pressure at each stage can include the following:

• Elevated: You are likely to develop hypertension unless you take steps to control it. These steps may include lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising more, and quitting smoking.
• Stage 1 hypertension: Your healthcare provider will probably recommend lifestyle changes. They may also prescribe medication depending on the risk for vascular disease,heart attack, or stroke.
• Stage 2 hypertension: Bothmedication and lifestyle changesare likely needed to lower blood pressure.
• Hypertensive crisis: Seek medical attention right away if your blood pressure is this high. You could experience a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening episode.

Your healthcare provider will likely consider your individual risk factors to determine an appropriate treatment plan. In addition to lifestyle factors, they may consider age, sex, and family history, as well as underlying conditions such as diabetes or obesity.

How to Take Your Blood Pressure

Blood pressure testing stations can be found in pharmacies, workplaces, and medical clinics. You can also buy a blood pressure monitor online or at your local pharmacy. To measure blood pressure:

• A cuff attached to a monitor is placed on your arm. An air pump inflates the cuff until blood flow stops at the brachial artery—the major artery found in your upper arm.
• As the cuff deflates, the device measures the pressure when blood starts flowing again (systolic pressure). Once the cuff is completely deflated, the device gauges the lowest pressure between beats (diastolic pressure).

If you're taking your blood pressure at home, there are certain steps you can take to get the most accurate reading possible:

• Measure your blood pressure at its most stable. Rest for five minutes in a calm environment before getting started. The AHA also advises against smoking, exercising, or drinking caffeinated beverages within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
• Use the right cuff size for each person. The average is 10.6 to 13.4 inches (27 to 34 centimeters/cm) around. If you are larger than average, the cuff should accommodate arms that are 13.8 to 173. inches (35 to 44 cm). A smaller person may need an 8.7 to 10.2 inch (22 to 26 cm) cuff. Thigh cuffs also are available.
• Use proper position, seated upright with your feet flat on the floor. Keep the cuffed arm at the same level as your heart, with the bottom of the cuff just above the elbow. Remove clothing layers, if needed.

Take more than one reading per day to allow for time, temperature, stress, and other variables.

Choosing a Blood Pressure Monitor

The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep (upper-arm) monitor, but there are other options. When selecting a blood pressure monitor, consider the following:

• Features:Some blood pressure monitors offer extra tech features, like Bluetooth and app connectivity. If you don't think you'll benefit from these extras, go ahead and choose one that is efficient, easy to use, and more affordable.
• Budget:High-quality blood pressure monitors vary dramatically in price, from around $25 to well over $100. Keep in mind that a good monitor is an investment and that you will be using it daily for several years.
• Other considerations:The AHA notes that when selecting a blood pressure monitor for a senior, pregnant person, or child, you should make sure it is validated for these conditions.

When to Call Your Healthcare Provider

A hypertensive crisis—defined as blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hg in adults—requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you have hypertension with any of the following symptoms:

• Chest or back pain
• Difficulty speaking
• Shortness of breath
• Vision change
• Weakness or numbness

It's also important to discuss blood pressure during routine visits to ensure you get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Summary

Blood pressure increases with age, but exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking can help lower your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). Seeing your healthcare provider for regular blood pressure checks and learning to check your own can help you stay healthy.

Monitoring your blood pressure is a part of maintaining your overall health. If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure, using a blood pressure cuff at home and keeping an eye on values in a blood pressure chart can help you understand how well your blood pressure is controlled