Blood pressure isn’t just a value your doctor checks during your annual visit – it’s a crucial indicator of your heart health. And as you age, this value becomes more important than ever.
Knowing how blood pressure changes over time and what is considered healthy for your age group allows you to take proactive steps to protect yourself from serious illnesses such as heart disease, strokes, and kidney problems.
Why blood pressure is important
Blood pressure is the force with which blood pushes against the artery walls as the heart pumps it through the body. It is one of the most telling indicators of your cardiovascular health – and an important factor in identifying risks before they become crises.
While the ideal blood pressure is often stated as being around 120/80 mmHg, the value considered “normal” can vary slightly depending on age, health history and other individual factors.
For most people, the following is a guideline.
| Bl0d print | Systolic (top number) mm Hg | Diastolic (lower number) mm Hg |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Less than 90 | Less than 60 |
| Optimal | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Normal | 120–129 | 80–84 |
| Normal to high | 130–139 | 85–89 |
| High | Larger than 140 | Larger than 90 |
A blood pressure reading of approximately 120/80 mm Hg is often considered a typical value.
