Blood pressure reference values, target values and age-related classification of blood pressure
We often receive questions about what blood pressure is normal at different ages. We use the table of globally harmonized blood pressure reference values that we developed. Since most professional societies on whose classifications our table is based do not distinguish between age-specific reference values for adults, neither do we. The classification applies to all adults.
German Hypertension League blood pressure reference table
| 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 |
Slightly different target blood pressure values have been defined. These are based on values measured at the doctor's office and indicate which blood pressure values should be achieved during treatment. Treatment here means not only medication, but also lifestyle changes, especially when normal values are only moderately elevated. The target values therefore apply to people whose doctor has already detected elevated blood pressure values and who are already undergoing some form of treatment prescribed by their doctor.
Please also note that, according to the guidelines of the German Hypertension League, a blood pressure of >=135 and/or >=85 mmHg measured at home is considered high blood pressure.
Please also note that, according to the guidelines of the German Hypertension League, a blood pressure of >=135 and/or >=85 mmHg measured at home is considered high blood pressure.
There is an age-based classification of blood pressure target values, albeit only to a limited extent. Please note, however, that treatment decisions and blood pressure targets for older patients who are frail and need assistance may need to be adjusted. "Older patient" here refers to people aged 65 and over.
Other conditions that may be present in addition to high blood pressure, such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, CAD (coronary artery disease), or a previous stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack), often referred to as a “mini-stroke,” may also play a role. This applies particularly to people who have chronic kidney disease in addition to high blood pressure - whether or not it is caused by diabetes.
Target values from the guidelines of the German Hypertension League (2018)
Target ranges for blood pressure measurements taken in the doctor's office during treatment:
* including diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease
** refers to patients with a previous stroke, not to blood pressure targets immediately after an acute stroke
*** Treatment decisions and blood pressure targets may need to be adjusted for older patients who are frail and dependent.
In summary, there is no age-related distinction in normal blood pressure values. However, if a person already has high blood pressure, there are small age-related differences in the target values that should be achieved with treatment. Existing medical conditions also play a role.
| Age group | Target ranges for systolic blood pressure measured in the doctor's office | ||||
| Hypertension | + diabetes | + chronic kidney disease* | + coronary artery disease (CAD) | + stroke / TIA ("mini-stroke")** | |
| 18 – 65 years | Aim for <=130 mmHg, if tolerated, but not < 120 mmHg! |
Aim for <=130 mmHg, if tolerated, but not < 120 mmHg! |
Aim for 130 – <140 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for <=130 mmHg, if tolerated, but not < 120 mmHg! |
Aim for <=130 mmHg, if tolerated, but not < 120 mmHg! |
| 65 – 79 years*** | Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
| >= 80 years*** | Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
| Target range for diastolic blood pressure measured in the office | 70 – 79 mmHg | 70 – 79 mmHg | 70 – 79 mmHg | 70 – 79 mmHg | 70 – 79 mmHg |
** refers to patients with a previous stroke, not to blood pressure targets immediately after an acute stroke
*** Treatment decisions and blood pressure targets may need to be adjusted for older patients who are frail and dependent.
Sources:
This article is from Tensana – the leading app since 2011, helping hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based data and is continuously updated (as of 05/2025).
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
Author Sabine Croci is a qualified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as outpatient care, and has headed the specialist editorial team at Tensana since 2015. Thanks to her extensive additional qualifications as an emergency medical technician, first responder, and in various areas of therapy and emergency care, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably verified information.
