Blood Pressure Chart: Normal Values by Age and Classification
Which blood pressure readings are normal? The following table helps you quickly classify measured blood pressure readings. Two readings are always given: the systolic blood pressure as the upper reading and the diastolic blood pressure as the lower reading.
In adults, blood pressure readings below 120/80 mmHg are generally considered optimal. Readings of around 140/90 mmHg or higher are considered high blood pressure when measured repeatedly. However, what matters is not a single measurement, but the trend across several correctly measured readings.
Blood pressure readings at a glance
The classification is based on the systolic and diastolic values. If either value falls within a higher range, blood pressure is generally classified according to the higher range.
| Systolic (mmHg) |
Diastolic (mmHg) |
|
| Optimal |
< 120 |
< 80 |
| Normal |
120-129 |
80-84 |
| High normal |
130-139 |
85-89 |
| Stage 1 hypertension |
140-159 |
90-99 |
| Stage 2 hypertension |
160-179 |
100-109 |
| Stage 3 hypertension |
>= 180 |
>= 110 |
| Isolated systolic hypertension |
>= 140 |
< 90 |
The table is intended as a general guide. Age, pre-existing conditions, medications, and overall cardiovascular risk are important for diagnosis, treatment, and personal target values.
Blood pressure calculator: Classify your readings
You can use the blood pressure calculator to assess your readings directly. To do so, enter your systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings.
Diastolisch: mmHg
Eine solche automatische Bewertung kann niemals einen Arztbesuch ersetzen, da für die individuelle Blutdruckeinstellung auch weitere Erkrankungen und Risikofaktoren mit in das Behandlungskonzept eingebunden werden. Besprechen Sie fraglich erhöhte Blutdruckwerte also immer mit Ihrem Arzt.
Bitte beachten Sie auch, dass laut einigen Leitlinien bei häuslichen Messungen ein Blutdruck von >=135 und/oder >=85 mmHg als Bluthochdruck gilt.
What do systolic and diastolic blood pressure values mean?
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, abbreviated as mmHg. For example, a reading of 128/82 mmHg means:
- 128 mmHg systolic: Pressure when the heart pumps blood around the body.
- 82 mmHg diastolic: Pressure when the heart relaxes between two beats.
You can find out more in the detailed articles: systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and pulse pressure.
Blood pressure values by age: Are there specific normal values?
Many people look for a blood pressure chart by age. It is important to distinguish between normal values and target values.
Normal values describe the range in which blood pressure readings are generally classified. Target values, on the other hand, describe the blood pressure that a particular person should achieve as part of treatment. These target values may vary depending on age, pre-existing conditions, and how well the treatment is tolerated.
| Situation | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Younger adults without relevant pre-existing conditions | A lower target range is often aimed for if it is well tolerated. |
| Older people | The target value is often set more individually, especially in cases of frailty, dizziness or risk of falling. |
| People with diabetes, kidney disease or cardiovascular disease | The target value depends on the overall risk and the doctor's assessment. |
| Single elevated reading | This does not yet constitute a confirmed diagnosis. Repeated readings taken under the correct conditions are crucial. |
Therefore, a simple table based on age is only of limited use. It can provide guidance, but it is no substitute for an individual medical assessment.
When is blood pressure too high?
High blood pressure is generally diagnosed when repeated measurements show readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher. Individual elevated readings may also be caused by stress, physical exertion, pain, caffeine, excitement, or an incorrect measurement.
Have elevated readings evaluated by a doctor, especially if they occur repeatedly or if you develop symptoms.
If very high blood pressure readings occur together with chest pain, shortness of breath, paralysis, speech problems, vision problems, confusion, or severe headaches, medical help should be sought immediately.
More information: High blood pressure: symptoms and warning signs.
When is blood pressure too low?
Low blood pressure is not necessarily a sign of illness. Many people have consistently low readings and no symptoms. Low blood pressure can become a problem if symptoms occur, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, weakness or visual disturbances.
Find out more: Low blood pressure.
Why blood pressure readings fluctuate
Blood pressure is not a fixed value. It changes throughout the day and responds to physical activity, stress, sleep, meals, medication, temperature, and the circumstances in which it is measured. Therefore, a single measurement is only a snapshot.
A series of correctly measured readings over several days is more informative. It is particularly helpful to take measurements at the same time each morning and evening and record the readings.
More information: Blood pressure throughout the day and How to measure blood pressure correctly.
Measuring blood pressure correctly
To ensure that blood pressure readings are comparable, they should be taken under similar conditions whenever possible.
- Sit quietly for a few minutes before taking the measurement.
- Do not measure immediately after exercise, coffee, nicotine, or excitement.
- Choose the correct cuff size and position it correctly.
- Rest your arm comfortably
- Measure at heart level (when using wrist monitors).
- Do not talk during the measurement.
- For follow-up measurements, measure at the same time of day whenever possible.
It is often recommended to take several measurements one to two minutes apart and record the readings. If the readings differ significantly, another measurement may be useful.
What normal values does Tensana use?
Blood pressure values are not classified in the same way everywhere internationally. Medical societies and guidelines differ in some cases in their thresholds, terminology, and target ranges.
Tensana therefore uses its own harmonized table for the app and web version. For this purpose, international recommendations were compared and consolidated into a uniform classification. You can find the detailed rationale here: Harmonized global normal blood pressure values.
Normal values and target values are not the same
Normal values help with the general assessment of a blood pressure reading. Target values, by contrast, are individual treatment goals. They are determined by a doctor and may vary depending on age, existing conditions, medications, side effects, and personal risk.
More recent guidelines place greater emphasis on the fact that lowering blood pressure effectively can reduce cardiovascular risk for many people. At the same time, treatment must be well tolerated. Particularly in older or frail people, excessively low blood pressure can cause symptoms.
Therefore, do not change your medication on your own. Always discuss target values and treatment with your female or male doctor.
Record blood pressure readings
Frequently Asked Questions About Normal Blood Pressure Values
Is 120 over 80 a normal blood pressure?
Blood pressure around 120/80 mmHg is generally considered normal to very favorable in adults. However, the average of several correctly measured readings is what matters.
When is blood pressure too high?
Repeated readings of around 140/90 mmHg or higher are generally considered high blood pressure. A single measurement is usually not sufficient for a reliable diagnosis.
What blood pressure is normal in older age?
Blood pressure often increases with age. However, this does not automatically mean that higher readings are always harmless. Individual target values are crucial for treatment.
Which is more important: the systolic or diastolic value?
Both values are important. The systolic value is the upper value during the heart's ejection phase. The diastolic value is the lower value during the relaxation phase. Depending on age and circumstances, one value or the other may be particularly relevant.
Why does my blood pressure monitor show different readings?
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates. Your measurement posture, cuff placement, stress, talking, movement, or short breaks between measurements can also affect the readings.
Is one measurement enough to diagnose high blood pressure?
Usually not. A diagnosis should be based on several correctly measured readings, for example repeated measurements at a doctor's office, home measurements over several days, or 24-hour blood pressure monitoring.
Sources
- German Hypertension League: Patient information on high blood pressure
- German Heart Foundation: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- 2023 ESH Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension
- 2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of elevated blood pressure and hypertension
- Tensana: Harmonised global normal blood pressure values
Author Horst Klier has been closely involved with high blood pressure since 2002 – initially because he was personally affected and, since 2009, as the developer of Tensana – and is now regarded as a recognized blood pressure expert thanks to his app and specialist platform, used millions of times, as well as his numerous publications. As the author of several health guides and specialist articles, he communicates complex knowledge in a clear and practical way.
