Blood pressure is the force that the heart presses on the walls of the arteries as it moves blood around the body. Blood pressure varies by gender and increases with age. The impact of blood pressure on your physical health is very important.
This article focuses on normal blood pressure by gender and by age. It also discusses the health risks associated with high blood pressure, how to monitor your blood pressure, and when to call your doctor.
What do blood pressure readings mean?
Blood pressure readings are made up of two numbers, such as 120/80mm Hg, with the first 120 representing systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats. The next 80 stands for diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries between each heartbeat. mm Hg stands for millimeters of mercury.
Normal blood pressure range for children
Normal blood pressure in children varies depending on age, but here is the range of normal blood pressure from newborns within 1 month to adolescents.
Newborns under 1 month: systolic blood pressure 60-90mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 20-60mm Hg
Infancy: systolic blood pressure 87-105mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 53-66mm Hg
Toddlers: systolic blood pressure 95-105 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 53-66 mm Hg
Preschool children: systolic blood pressure 95-110mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 56-70mm Hg
School-going children: systolic blood pressure 97-112mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 57-71mm Hg
Adolescents: systolic blood pressure 112-128mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure 66-80mm Hg
This is the normal blood pressure reading for children before their teenage years. How about checking if your child is in the normal range?
Normal blood pressure in adults
According to expert research, the normal blood pressure for adults over the age of 20 should be lower than 120/80mm Hg. Most of the time, high blood pressure is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher.
As you age, blood vessels become stiffer and plaque builds up in them, raising your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is elevated, your risk of many diseases, including heart disease and stroke, also increases.
Here is an introduction to the normal blood pressure range readings for different ages and genders.
Men and women aged 18-39: 119/70mm Hg, 110/68mm Hg
Men and women aged 40-59: 124/77mm Hg, 122/74mm Hg
Men and women over 60 years old: 133/69mm Hg, 139/68mm Hg
Of course, due to the influence of skin color, the normal blood pressure range is also different. For white skin, it is 122/71mm Hg, and for dark skin, it is 127/73mm Hg.
Effects of high blood pressure
Hypertension is becoming more common as the world's population ages and life expectancy increases. With the increasing health awareness of more and more people, it is becoming more and more convenient to detect high blood pressure. For this reason, by taking corresponding drugs and taking long-term readings with a blood pressure monitor, the incidence of high blood pressure has dropped a lot.
Normal blood pressure is 120 for adults, but lower for children and teens. In 2018, almost half of U.S. adults had higher-than-normal blood pressure. More men than women suffer from high blood pressure.
What are the factors that lead to high blood pressure?
Unhealthy diet: A diet high in sugar, salt, and fat is one of the root causes of high blood pressure.
Inactivity: People who do not exercise regularly are at high risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
Excessive obesity: Obesity or overweight can cause the heart to work hard to deliver oxygen and increase blood pressure.
Smoking: Nicotine or secondhand smoke can damage arteries leading to high blood pressure.
Age, gender: Men are more likely than women to have high blood pressure, and everyone's risk increases with age.
Family Inheritance: High blood pressure is a risk that runs in families.
How to measure blood pressure?
There are several ways to measure blood pressure: the first is through the testing center of the hospital, the second is to obtain a report during the annual physical examination, and the third is to measure through a home blood pressure monitor purchased online. The most convenient is the home blood pressure monitor.
Here are a few points to keep in mind when taking your blood pressure at home, take it easy and rest for a few minutes, as the readings are final when your blood pressure is stable. Do not drink, smoke, or exercise for at least 30 minutes while your body is relaxed, keeping your breathing steady. Choose the appropriate size of the cuff when measuring, so that the reading is more accurate. Make sure to sit up straight with your back straight and supported by your arms. Choosing a home blood pressure monitor that is right for you is crucial.
Yongrow blood pressure monitors are the most popular household blood pressure monitors at present. It is easy to carry, has accurate readings, and has complete functions. It is the best choice for many families and related medical institutions.