- What Is It?
- What is blood pressure?
-
5 Different Types & Chart
- What are the different blood pressure categories?
-
Blood Pressure Chart By Age & Gender
- What is normal blood pressure according to age and gender?
-
Treating High Blood Pressure
- How to treat high blood pressure?
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Treating Low Blood Pressure
- How to treat low blood pressure?
- Related Resources
- Related Resources - Blood Pressure Chart: Reading by Age and Gender
- Comments
- Patient Comments: 5 Blood Pressure Categories
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types include normal, elevated, hypertension stage I, hypertension stage II, and hypertensive crisis.
Blood pressure is the force applied by the blood over the inner walls of the arteries. Although the average blood pressure for a person remains constant, it shows minor fluctuations throughout the day—declining while relaxing and momentarily increasing while being excited or under stress.
An increase in resting blood pressure can scar, stiffen, or harden the arteries.
- Blood pressure is written as systolic and diastolic values.
- Hence, BP 120/80 mm Hg means 120 is the systolic number, and 80 is the diastolic number.
High blood pressure is more likely to cause:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Vision loss
- Kidney failure
- Dementia
- Erectile dysfunction
Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure may not have any symptoms and so hypertension has been labeled "the silent killer." Longstanding high blood pressure can lead to multiple complications including heart attack, kidney disease, or stroke.
Some people experience symptoms with their high blood pressure. These symptoms include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Blurred vision
- The Feeling of pulsations in the neck or head
- Nausea
What are the different blood pressure categories?
- 1
Blood pressure can be categorized into five different types, namely:
Table. Different blood pressure categories| 120 or less | 80 or less | N/A |
| 120-129 | 80 or less | People with elevated blood pressure are at risk of high blood pressure unless steps are taken to control it. |
| 130-139 | 80-89 | Doctors may prescribe blood pressure medications and some lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. |
| 140-159 | 90-99 | Doctors may prescribe a combination of both medications and lifestyle changes. |
| 180 or higher | 120 or higher | This is the most critical condition and requires emergency medical attention. |
Contact the physician immediately if the following symptoms are experienced:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Back pain
- Numbness/weakness
- Change in vision
- Difficulty speaking
SLIDESHOW
Exercises for Seniors: Tips for Core, Balance, Stretching See SlideshowWhat is normal blood pressure according to age and gender?
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is produced primarily by the contraction of the heart muscle. Its measurement is recorded by two numbers. The first (systolic pressure) is measured after the heart contracts and is highest. The second (diastolic pressure) is measured before the heart contracts and the lowest. A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the pressure. Elevation of blood pressure is called "hypertension".
The chart shows normal blood pressure according to age both male and female. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) are included in the chart.
Normal Blood Pressure By Age Both Male and Female| 21-25 | 120.5 | 78.5 |
| 26-30 | 119.5 | 76.5 |
| 31-35 | 114.5 | 75.5 |
| 36-40 | 120.5 | 75.5 |
| 41-45 | 115.5 | 78.5 |
| 46-50 | 119.5 | 80.5 |
| 51-55 | 125.5 | 80.5 |
| 56-60 | 129.5 | 79.5 |
| 61-65 | 143.5 | 76.5 |
| 21-25 | 115.5 | 70.5 |
| 26-30 | 113.5 | 71.5 |
| 31-35 | 110.5 | 72.5 |
| 36-40 | 112.5 | 74.5 |
| 41-45 | 116.5 | 73.5 |
| 46-50 | 124 | 78.5 |
| 51-55 | 122.55 | 74.5 |
| 56-60 | 132.5 | 78.5 |
| 61-65 | 130.5 | 77.5 |
Health News
How to treat low blood pressure?
Low blood pressure can be prevented or treated using the following methods:
- Consume lots of fluids
- Limit alcoholic drinks
- Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or during viral flu
- Drink more nonalcoholic drinks
- Exercise regularly to encourage blood flow
- Avoid sitting or standing quickly
- While rising, take care to sit upright for a few seconds and then get off the bed
- Stay away from heavy lifting
- Avoid standing still for a prolonged time
- Avoid straining while passing stools
- Avoid prolonged exposure to hot water such as sauna, hot water springs, and spas
- Compression stocking covering the thigh and calf restricts the blood flow to the lower part of the body
- Try eating smaller, more frequent meals to avoid post-meal dizziness
- Any consumption of over-the-counter medications should be reported to the physician.
Medications such as fludrocortisone or midodrine may also help to treat low blood pressure.
Medically Reviewed on 10/4/2022
References
//www.webmd.com/heart/qa/what-medications-are-used-to-treat-low-blood-pressure
//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998762/
//www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings