Measuring normal human blood pressure. Normal blood pressure and pulse of a person - blood pressure (BP) is normal, pulse
In this article we will look at a person’s blood pressure, what is the norm by age, weight and gender. To do this, we have provided 2 tables with blood pressure standards for men and women, taking into account age. Normal blood pressure by weight must be calculated using the formula. For those who do not want to look at tables and calculate using formulas, we have prepared an online calculator.
But first, let’s immediately decipher the designation of the terms SBP and DBP.
- SBP – systolic blood pressure (upper).
- DBP – diastolic blood pressure (lower).
- Hypertension is high blood pressure.
- Hypotension – low blood pressure.
First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the modern classification of what is considered to be within normal pressure.
Modern classification
In modern medicine, there are three options for normal blood pressure in an adult:
- optimal – less than 120/80;
- normal – from 120/80 to 129/84;
- high normal – from 130/85 to 139/89 mm Hg. Art.
Everything that fits into these numbers is absolutely normal. Only the lower limit is not specified. Hypotension is a condition in which the blood pressure monitor produces values less than 90/60. That is why, depending on individual characteristics, everything above this limit is acceptable.
But you need to understand that these numbers show without taking into account age, weight, gender, diseases, constitution, etc. Look at our prepared data on human blood pressure. But at the same time, after reviewing your standards, read the column “Why pressure can change”, this is necessary to fully understand the resulting picture.
Rules for measuring blood pressure
Many people make mistakes when measuring their blood pressure and may see abnormal numbers. Therefore, it is very important to measure pressure in compliance with certain rules. This is necessary to avoid erroneous interpretation of the data.
- 30 minutes before the intended procedure, you should not play sports or experience other physical activity.
- To determine true rates, the study should not be performed under stress.
- For 30 minutes, do not smoke, do not consume food, alcohol, coffee.
- Do not talk during the measurement.
- Measurement results obtained on both hands should be evaluated. The highest indicator is taken as the basis. A difference of 10 mm Hg between readings on different hands is allowed. Art.
Table of normal blood pressure by age
Currently, generally accepted standards are used that apply to all ages. But there are also averaged optimal pressure values for each age group. Deviation from them is not always a pathology. Each person has his own individual norm.
Table No. 1 - pressure indicators based on age only, starting from 20 to 80 years.
| Age in years | Pressure norm |
|---|---|
| 20 – 30 | 117/74 – 121/76 |
| 30 – 40 | 121/76 – 125/79 |
| 40 – 50 | 125/79 – 129/82 |
| 50 – 60 | 129/82 – 133/85 |
| 60 – 70 | 133/85 – 137/88 |
| 70 – 80 | 137/88 – 141/91 |
Table No. 2 - blood pressure indicators with age and gender, starting from 1 year to 90 years.
| Age in years | Normal blood pressure in men | Normal blood pressure in women |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | 96/66 | 95/65 |
| 1 – 10 | 103/69 | 103/70 |
| 10 – 20 | 123/76 | 116/72 |
| 20 – 30 | 126/79 | 120/75 |
| 30 – 40 | 129/81 | 127/80 |
| 40 – 50 | 135/83 | 137/84 |
| 50 – 60 | 142/85 | 144/85 |
| 60 – 70 | 145/82 | 159/85 |
| 70 – 80 | 147/82 | 157/83 |
| 80 – 90 | 145/78 | 150/79 |
The indicators here differ from what can be obtained using calculation formulas. Studying the numbers, you can see that with age they become higher. In people under 40 years of age, rates are higher in men. After this milestone, the picture changes, and women’s blood pressure becomes higher.
This is due to hormonal changes in the female body. The numbers for people over 50 are noteworthy. They are higher than those that are currently defined as normal.
Table No. 3. Many people measure blood pressure with modern tonometers, which in addition to blood pressure also show pulse. Therefore, we decided that some people would need this table.
Table with heart rate norms by age. Formulas for calculating pressure
Each person is individual and the pressure is also individual. The normal pressure is determined not only by age, but also by other parameters: height, weight, gender. That is why calculation formulas were created that take into account age and weight. They help determine what pressure will be optimal for a particular person. In this article, we will consider 2 formulas and 2 tables taking into account age and gender.
First formula. Volynsky's formula calculates the norm taking into account age and weight. Used in people aged 17–79 years. Upper (SBP) and lower (DBP) pressure indicators are calculated separately.
SBP = 109 + (0.5 * number of years) + (0.1 * weight in kg.).
DBP = 63 + (0.1 * years of life) + (0.15 * weight in kg.).
As an example, let's use the Volynsky formula to calculate normal blood pressure for a person aged 60 years and weighing 70 kg.
SAD=109+(0.5*60 years)+(0.1*70 kg.)=109+30+7=146
DBP=63+(0.1*60 years)+(0.15*70 kg.)=63+6+10.5=79.5
The normal blood pressure for this person aged 60 years and weighing 70 kg is - 146/79.5
Second formula: This formula calculates normal blood pressure taking into account only age. Suitable for adults from 20–80 years old.
SBP = 109 + (0.4 * age).
DBP = 67 + (0.3 * age).
As an example, using this formula, let’s calculate the blood pressure of a person aged 50 years.
SAD = 109+(0.4*50 years)=109+20=139
SBP = 67+(0.3*50 years)=67+15=82
The normal blood pressure for a person aged 50 is 139/82.
Online blood pressure calculator
Using this online calculator you can calculate normal blood pressure for different ages. To do this, you need to indicate your age and also check it with our table.
Blood pressure is a parameter that shows how hard the blood flow presses on the walls of blood vessels. This depends on the speed and strength of the heart, as well as on the total volume of blood that it can pass through itself within a minute.
The blood pressure indicator has two parameters - upper and lower pressure. The top number, systolic blood pressure, shows the pressure in the arteries as the heart contracts and pushes blood into the arteries. The bottom number is diastolic blood pressure, which shows the pressure in the arteries when the heart muscle relaxes.
Normal blood pressure
The absolute normal blood pressure for an adult is considered to be 120/80 mmHg. However, the value of normal blood pressure can be different for everyone, since it depends on the person’s age, his individual characteristics, lifestyle, and occupation. There are age guidelines for normal blood pressure:
- 16-20 years Upper 100-120 mm Hg. Lower 70-80 mm Hg.
- 20 - 40 years Upper 120-130 mm Hg. Lower 70-80 mm Hg.
- 40 - 60 years Upper up to 140 mm Hg. Lower up to 90 mm Hg.
- Over 60 years Upper 150 mm Hg. Lower 90 mm Hg.
Thus, if for a sixteen-year-old boy the pressure is 100/70 mm Hg. - the lower limit of normal, then in an elderly person after 60 years of age this pressure indicates a serious illness. Conversely, after 60 years, the upper limit of normal blood pressure is 150/90, which in youth would most likely indicate problems with the kidneys, endocrine or cardiovascular system.
High blood pressure
A pressure reading in a middle-aged person that is greater than 140/90 mmHg already indicates the presence of pathology. However, you should always keep in mind the person’s concomitant diseases; for example, these same parameters will be considered the norm for patients with diabetes.
Low blood pressure
An adult's blood pressure is considered low if it is less than 100/60 mmHg. On the other hand, in people who are constantly exposed to heavy loads, such as athletes, the pressure is 100/60 or even 90/50 mmHg. Art becomes normal.
Blood pressure affects the general condition of a person. For everyone, the level of pressure is individual, but in physiology there is a certain range that is considered normal. Large deviations from the established indicators worsen health, which can lead to loss of ability to work. These indicators are influenced by many factors, both external influences and certain diseases. This article will discuss what the normal blood pressure is for adults; the table will help you clearly see the acceptable values for a certain age category.
What is blood pressure - general information about this indicator
Blood pressure is one of the most important indicators in the human body; it indicates the pressure exerted by the blood on the vascular walls. This force is greatest in large arteries, since they contain the most blood and the highest blood flow speed. The principle of operation is as follows: when the ventricles of the heart contract, a certain volume of blood is released into the bloodstream, but the elastic vascular walls resist this process. Since the heart works constantly, the pressure in the vascular bed increases as blood flow increases. However, when the heart muscle relaxes, the blood pressure also decreases.
During measurement, a person always receives two values:
- the first indicator is the upper or systolic pressure, which is measured during contraction of the heart muscle (systole);
- the second indicator is the lower or diastolic pressure, which is determined during the relaxation of the ventricles of the heart and their filling with blood (diastole);
- Pulse pressure is the difference between systolic and diastolic readings.
Both of these values are very important for the full functioning of the body. If a change occurs in these indicators or in one of them, the person’s general condition may worsen.
Initially, blood pressure was measured in a rather painful and unpleasant way. A needle was inserted into a person's blood vessel, and a tube and a measuring device were attached to it, which determined the blood pressure inside the vessel.
However, over time, a special tonometer was invented, with which it was possible to accurately and, most importantly, painlessly determine blood pressure. A special rubber tube is attached to the mercury tonometer, which connects it to the cuff. In addition, another tube is attached to the cuff; a rubber bulb is fixed at its end. The principle of operation is quite simple, you need to pump air into the cuff with a bulb until the blood vessels are completely compressed. After which it is necessary to gradually bleed the air to relieve the pressure. At this time, using a stethoscope on the elbow, the pulse is clearly audible. The beginning of the sounds indicates the level of systolic pressure, and the end indicates the diastolic pressure. This device is also actively used by modern doctors, as it is able to accurately show blood pressure levels.
Today, experts have invented electronic devices. They are very convenient for home use. The device consists of a cuff and a special sensor, which has a small screen built into it. A person just needs to put the cuff on his forearm, press a button, and after a while the measurement results will appear on the display.
How to measure blood pressure: basic rules
The pressure reading can be influenced by many environmental factors. However, to obtain accurate data, a person needs to consider some important points:
- exclude physical and emotional stress; 15 minutes before the start of the study must be spent in a calm state at a comfortable temperature;
- one hour before measurement, consumption of food and tonic drinks is prohibited;
- You should not smoke before the procedure.
A person must adhere to the above rules. When measuring blood pressure, it is important to follow established recommendations that will help obtain accurate data and provide the person with appropriate medical care. The rules for measuring blood pressure are quite simple:
- a person should sit on a chair with a back so that the back has reliable support;
- It is prohibited to cross your legs at the time of measurement;
- The cuff is placed on the forearm at the same level as the heart. It should cover 2/3 of the arm, and the bottom edge should be 2 cm above the elbow;
- using a bulb, pressure is injected into the cuff;
- after which the air is gradually released, and at this time the tones are carefully listened to with a phonendoscope;
- the first beats will correspond to systolic pressure, and the second to diastolic pressure.
What blood pressure is considered normal?
Pressure readings are influenced not only by external factors and various diseases. Of particular importance is the age and gender of a person. For clearer and more convenient use, a table has been compiled below. It shows basic blood pressure data for different ages.
According to the data in the table, it is obvious that blood pressure increases with age. Such changes are normal. However, it is important to remember that all these figures are averages. To determine the exact individual pressure, you should take regular measurements and consult a doctor.
It is important to remember that any deviations in blood pressure, up or down, significantly impair the functioning of internal organs. This pathology leads to irreversible processes in the body. At the first signs of abnormal indicators, you should consult a doctor, since timely treatment will improve the person’s general condition.
Important! The normal human blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. Art. The pulse of a healthy person should be 70–80 beats per minute.
In pregnant women, normal blood pressure levels range from 110/70–120/80 mmHg. Art. With these indicators, the woman and the unborn baby feel great. However, in the early stages, in the first trimester, blood pressure may decrease. This phenomenon is considered normal, so doctors agree that a woman should not take any medications. During these 3 months, almost everyone feels drowsiness, loss of strength, dizziness, some even lose consciousness. In order to somehow alleviate the condition, the expectant mother is advised to spend more time in the fresh air, eat right and avoid stuffy rooms. As a rule, by the end of the third trimester, the general condition returns to normal.
Starting from the second trimester, the woman’s blood pressure increases slightly, but she feels great. This change occurs due to the fact that the fetus and placenta begin to actively develop, and 2.5 liters more blood appears in the expectant mother’s body. Naturally, this provokes a load on the cardiovascular system, which slightly increases blood pressure readings. In other words, a woman’s body begins to work for two. However, sometimes an increase in blood pressure causes serious changes in well-being and alarming symptoms arise. At the first signs of increased blood pressure, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this may be a signal of the development of eclampsia. In this case, the specialist prescribes high-quality therapy that improves the condition of the expectant mother.
Reasons influencing changes in blood pressure
Blood pressure is one of the main indicators of human health. Its deviations up or down cause pathological disorders in the body.
There are many root causes that influence the increase in blood pressure. Among the main reasons, doctors identify the following:
- hypertension;
- kidney diseases;
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- problems in the functioning of the endocrine system.
Low blood pressure can be accompanied by severe symptoms that worsen a person’s general condition. The development of this disorder is influenced by many root causes:
- myocardial infarction;
- disorders of the autonomic nervous system;
- anemia;
- poor quality nutrition or starvation;
- hypothyroidism;
- diseases of the hypothalamic-pituitary system.
Small deviations from the norm, as a rule, do not cause serious health problems. However, if a person has persistent deviations in blood pressure readings from the norm, he needs to urgently consult a doctor. The specialist will assess the patient’s general condition and select an individual treatment regimen.
As you know, the well-being of any of us largely depends on the value of blood pressure, which is one of the most important indicators of the functioning of the body, determining the general condition of a person.
That is why cardiologists recommend that everyone know their working and optimal pressure, at which the patient feels as comfortable as possible, does not lose performance, and does not seek help from medications to normalize blood pressure values.
You can find out what pressure a person has using the physical method of measuring it with a tonometer. In this case, two indicators are determined - upper and lower blood pressure.
The upper value is a reflection of the force with which the heart pushes blood out of its chambers.
The lower limit or (also called renal) depends on the function of the main urinary organs and represents the pressure that the blood flow exerts on the vascular wall in the period between heart contractions.
Blood pressure is an individual indicator, since, among them, a person’s age, bad habits, the presence of concomitant ailments, individual characteristics of the body, even gender, climatic conditions, time of day.
Changes in blood pressure may be affected by:
- rheological qualities of blood, since fluid prone to increased clotting is more difficult to move through the vessels;
- changes in the contractility of the heart, affecting the force of blood ejection into the aorta;
- the presence of atherosclerosis, which narrows the lumen of blood vessels;
- disruption of the glands of the endocrine system and the production of biologically active substances that affect vascular tone.
In addition, it is customary to measure blood pressure on both arms, since it can often differ on the right and left sides. Experts say that different indicators occur in people who are prone to anxiety, have anatomical features of the structure of the vascular bed, or in patients with different degrees of muscle development.
Normally, the tonometer readings should not differ between the hands by more than 5 mm. rt. Art. Any other discrepancy is regarded as pathology.
What blood pressure is considered optimal for the human body?
Ideas about what optimal blood pressure a person should have changed depending on the era and the knowledge of contemporary doctors about the structure of the cardiovascular system.
Just a few decades ago, it was believed that blood pressure values should be directly proportional to the age of patients, that is, increase as they age.
Today the situation has changed, so experts have revised their view of the optimal blood pressure in a person, even minor deviations from the norm are considered dangerous for representatives of all age groups. Naturally, no one denies the existence of a connection between increased performance and the aging of the body. It is well known that finding an elderly person with normal blood pressure is not an easy task.
Therefore, most people mistakenly believe that B should be about 150/90 mm. rt. Art. Indeed, representatives of the older generation who are prone to diarrhea are recommended to monitor the tonometer readings and not allow them to increase above the indicated figures. But this does not mean that this option is optimal for them.
High blood pressure is considered to be values above 135/85 mm. rt. Art.If a person is diagnosed with such an indicator against the background of relative physical emotional calm, it is regarded as a pathology. Blood pressure reading is 145/95 mm. rt. Art. – a sign of the development of hypertension or the presence of hypertension as a symptom of disorders of internal organs and systems.
The optimal pressure for humans is 110-120/65-80 mm. rt. st. It is at such indicators that the human body functions as well as possible, and its tissues are saturated with oxygen.
For any changes, when optimal blood pressure increases or decreases, it is better not to take risks and contact specialists who will help establish the causes of the disorders and offer the most effective methods for their correction.
It should be noted that such indicators of the general condition of the human body as do not have a direct relationship.
Irrhythmic and (tachycardia, tachyarrhythmia) does not always indicate hypertension, and rare bradycardia does not indicate hypotension.
Moreover, often in cardiological practice it is tachycardia that accompanies a decrease in blood pressure, and bradycardic disorders, on the contrary, its increase. This phenomenon is an option for turning on compensatory mechanisms to eliminate hemodynamic deficiencies.
Human working pressure
As you know, blood pressure is an individual indicator. That is, it depends not only on the influence of external factors, but also on the structural features of the human body, his age, and the nature of the nervous system.
In adolescents, a blood pressure value of 100/60 mm is considered normal. rt. Art., and for older people – 140/90 mm. rt. Art.
In both cases, patients feel normal, so in clinical practice there is the concept of working blood pressure, at which a person is comfortable and can do his usual activities without problems. But what is working pressure in humans? This indicator often differs from the optimal norms.
The medical literature describes cases where middle-aged patients felt great with a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg. Art, but when it rises to values of 120/80 mm. rt. Art. began to complain of headaches, nausea, decreased performance and other symptoms of hypertension.
That is why, when answering the question of what pressure is normal for a person, you should ask about his working blood pressure, at which he remains in excellent health and there are no signs of any pathological disorders.
An automatic electronic tonometer is the easiest and most convenient way to measure blood pressure yourself
Every adult needs to know what working pressure is typical for him, so that if drug correction is necessary, it becomes a guideline for the doctor. You can make such measurements yourself.
To do this, you need to diagnose blood pressure readings in both arms several times over a certain period of time and calculate their average value. The resulting number will be what is called the human working pressure. As a rule, working blood pressure does not often differ from blood pressure typical for different age groups of the population.
To calculate working blood pressure, a special formula is used:- for patients from 7 to 20 years;
- normal systolic blood pressure = 1.7 x age (years) + 83;
- normal diastolic blood pressure = 1.6 x age (years) + 42.
- for patients from 20 to 80 years old.
- normal systolic blood pressure = 0.4 x age (years) + 109;
- normal diastolic blood pressure = 0.3 x age (years) + 67.
For example, normal blood pressure in a person aged 30 should be:
- systolic = 0.4 x 30 + 109 = 121;
- diastolic = 0.3 x 30 + 67 = 76.
At 30 years of age, the optimal blood pressure for a healthy person is 121/76 mm. rt. Art.
Video on the topic
Normal blood pressure depending on the patient’s age:
On the other hand, according to numerous clinical studies, the working pressure of a 30-year-old person is about 130/80 mm. rt. st, which is somewhat different from what is recommended by cardiologists. That is why each person is obliged to know his or her individual characteristics, so that, if necessary, they can be advised by doctors to carry out competent correction of disorders.
Blood pressure is a variable parameter that can vary under the influence of many factors - bad weather, severe stress, fatigue, physical activity, etc.
Minor differences do not cause danger; most often, they pass unnoticed by humans. But a persistent increase in blood pressure causes a significant deterioration in the patient’s well-being and can lead to serious complications.
To understand what normal blood pressure is, what blood pressure numbers mean, and what blood pressure is considered elevated, you don’t have to have a medical degree, just be an interested person.
Human blood pressure
The normal blood pressure for an adult is 120/80. But can such a value be fixed and unchanging if a person is constantly moving and exposed to various factors?
Features of blood pressure indicators:
- If we take into account that all people are different, each has individual characteristics of the body, then blood pressure will still deviate slightly from the norm.
- At the moment, although modern medicine has abandoned the outdated formulas for calculating blood pressure, which previously took into account a person’s gender, weight, height, age, etc. All the same, he often refers to past calculations.
For example, for thin women aged 20-30 years, a blood pressure of 110/70 is considered normal, and if there is a deviation of 20 mmHg, their health will definitely worsen. For athletic men aged 20-30 years, the norm is considered to be a blood pressure of 130/80.
When pressure is measured, indicators are always obtained that mean the following:
- The first indicator is systolic or upper (patients call it cardiac) pressure, which is recorded at the moment of maximum contraction of the heart muscle.
- The second indicator, diastolic or lower (vascular) pressure, is recorded during extreme relaxation of the muscle.
- Pulse pressure indicates the difference between cardiac and vascular pressure (normally 20-30 mm).
Why are normal indicators so important? The fact is that it is precisely the pressure, the norm of which is not exceeded, that is considered ideal for the full functioning of the body and its internal organs, and the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is reduced.
In addition to blood pressure, the following types of pressure are also distinguished:
- Intracardiac.
- Venous.
- Capillary.
However, all these types of pressure cause difficulties in measuring indicators. Therefore, in almost all cases, with the exception of surgery, blood pressure is measured using the Korotkoff method.
Blood pressure, norms by age
As already mentioned above, the norm for an adult aged 20-40 years is considered to be 120/80, this is the value suggested by the medical literature. Normal values between the ages of 16 and 20 will be slightly lower. There is such a thing as working pressure:
- As a rule, it almost never corresponds to the norm, but the person feels excellent and has no complaints.
- This pressure is more relevant for people over 60 years of age who are diagnosed with hypertension.
The diagnosis of arterial hypertension is made when the levels of 140/90 are exceeded at the age of 20-40 years. Many older people over 60 years of age feel great with readings of 150/80.
In this case, there is no need to reduce the pressure. The fact is that with age, atherosclerosis of the vessels of the cerebral hemispheres occurs, and in order to ensure proper blood circulation, higher pressure is necessary.
Another example can be given: young hypotensive people aged 20-30 years live their entire lives with a blood pressure of 95/60, and if their ideal blood pressure reaches 120/80, then all the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis will appear. Blood pressure, norms by age:
- Up to 20 years of age in men 122/79, in women 116/72.
- Up to 30 years of age in men 126/79, in women 120/75.
- 30-40 years old: 129/81 for men, 127/80 for women.
- 40-50 years old: 135/83 for men, 137/84 for women.
- 50-60 years old: 142/85 for men, 144/85 for women.
- 70 years in men 142/80, in women 159/85.
The table clearly shows that until the age of 30-40, women have lower blood pressure than the stronger sex, and from 40 to 70 years of age, blood pressure becomes higher.
However, these are averages based on a person’s age. There are many factors that influence blood pressure readings. A young guy aged 20 and an elderly woman over 60 are equally susceptible to a sharp jump in blood pressure.
Based on medical statistics, we can say that men over 40 who smoke, are overweight and have a history of diabetes are at greater risk. For this age group, constant monitoring of your blood pressure is necessary.
When the pressure is 280/140, a hypertensive crisis occurs, which must be stopped immediately. In this case, you first need to call an ambulance, and before it arrives, try to lower the pressure on your own.
You can measure indicators not only on your hands, but you can measure pressure on your legs. As a rule, the pressure in the legs and arms does not differ by more than 20 mmHg.
If this indicator is exceeded, and the pressure on the legs is greater than on the arms, there is reason to sound the alarm.
Blood pressure parameters in children differ from those in adults. Blood pressure increases starting from the birth of a child, then its growth becomes slower, some jumps occur in adolescence, after which the pressure stabilizes as in an adult.
The blood vessels of a newborn baby are elastic, their lumen is wide enough, the network of capillaries is larger, so the normal pressure for him is 60/40. As the child grows and his body develops, blood pressure increases by one year and is 90(100)/40(60).
Recently, arterial hypertension has been diagnosed in children and adolescents:
- Susceptibility to high blood pressure is observed during the period of restructuring of the body.
- Puberty is dangerous because at this time a person is no longer a child, but not yet an adult.
Often at this age, sudden changes in pressure lead to instability of the nervous system. Pathological deviations from the norm must be noticed in time and promptly eliminated. This is the task of parents.
The most common causes of high blood pressure in children and adolescents include:
- Excess weight.
- Children's fears and experiences when a child accumulates them within himself without telling his parents.
- Lack of physical activity, which is typical of almost all modern children, because they are passionate about computer games, and move only in physical education lessons.
- Oxygen starvation of tissues, that is, the child spends very little time in the fresh air.
- Abuse of fatty foods, fast food, chips, sweet soda and other things that children love so much.
- Endocrine disorders.
- Pathological condition of the kidneys.
All of the above circumstances have a detrimental effect on the teenager’s body, therefore, vascular tension increases, the heart functions with greater load, in particular its left side.
If nothing is done, a teenager may reach adulthood with a diagnosis of arterial hypertension or some type of neurocirculatory dystonia.
Every person should know their normal blood pressure parameters, this will help them avoid serious problems in the future. But how can you find out what a person’s blood pressure is?
On the one hand, it seems that there is nothing complicated here: put on the cuff, pump up the air, slowly release it and listen, then record the data.
But, as practice shows, most adult patients, when carrying out the measurement procedure on their own, make many mistakes and, as a result, receive incorrect data.
To get the correct blood pressure numbers, you must follow the following rules:
- Before measuring, you need to be in a calm state for half an hour.
- You should not smoke half an hour before the measurement.
- When taking measurements immediately after eating, the numbers will have larger errors.
- The best position for taking measurements is to sit on a chair and lean your back on its back.
- The arm with the cuff should be at chest level.
- A full bladder increases blood pressure by 7-9 mmHg.
- During the procedure, you cannot move or gesticulate, and talking is also not recommended.
Blood pressure should always be measured on both arms, with secondary measurements taken on the arm where the pressure was higher. If there is too much difference between your hands, this is not normal, you should contact a cardiologist; details on how to measure blood pressure correctly can be found on the pages of our website.
Step-by-step blood pressure measurement with a mechanical tonometer:
- Place the cuff so that it is 3-4 cm above the cubital fossa.
- Place the stethoscope on the inner bend of your elbow and insert it into your ears. At this time, you can hear clear pulse beats.
- Inflate the air to 200-220 mm, then very slowly begin to deflate the air, focusing on the numbers on the tonometer. When deflating, you need to listen to your pulse.
- As soon as the first beat of the pulse is heard, the upper blood pressure must be recorded.
- When the shocks disappear, the lower blood pressure can be recorded.
To find out the pulse pressure, you need to subtract the lower pressure from the upper pressure and get your readings.
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Modern classification
There are three options for normal blood pressure in an adult:
- optimal – less than 120/80;
- normal – from 120/80 to 129/84;
- high normal – from 130/85 to 139/89 mm Hg. Art.
Everything that fits into these numbers is absolutely normal. Only the lower limit is not specified. Hypotension is a condition in which the blood pressure monitor produces values less than 90/60. That is why, depending on individual characteristics, everything above this limit is acceptable.
On this online calculator you can see blood pressure norms by age.
Pressure measurement must be carried out in compliance with certain rules:
- 30 minutes before the intended procedure, you should not play sports or experience other physical activity.
- To determine true rates, the study should not be performed under stress.
- For 30 minutes, do not smoke, do not consume food, alcohol, coffee.
- Do not talk during the measurement.
- Measurement results obtained on both hands should be evaluated. The highest indicator is taken as the basis. A difference of 10 mm Hg is allowed. Art.
Individual norm
The ideal pressure is one at which a person feels great, but at the same time it corresponds to the norm. Hereditary predisposition to hypertension or hypotension matters. Numbers may change during the day. At night they are lower than during the day. During wakefulness, blood pressure can increase with physical activity and stress. Trained people and professional athletes often show indicators below the age norm. Measurement results are affected by medications and the use of stimulants such as coffee and strong tea. Fluctuations within 15–25 mmHg are acceptable. Art.
With age, indicators begin to gradually shift from optimal to normal, and then to normal high. This is due to the fact that certain changes occur in the cardiovascular system. One of these factors is an increase in the rigidity of the vascular wall due to age-related characteristics. So, people who have lived their whole lives with numbers of 90/60 may find that the tonometer begins to show 120/80. And that's okay. A person feels good, since the process of increasing pressure occurs unnoticed, and the body gradually adapts to such changes.
There is also the concept of working pressure. It may not correspond to the norm, but the person feels better than with the one that is considered optimal for him. This is relevant for older people suffering from arterial hypertension. The diagnosis of hypertension is established if blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg. Art. and higher. Many older patients feel better with numbers of 150/80 than with lower values.
In such a situation, you should not achieve the recommended norm. With age, cerebral vascular atherosclerosis develops. Higher systemic pressure is required to ensure satisfactory blood flow. Otherwise, signs of ischemia appear: headaches, dizziness, possible nausea, etc.
Another situation is a young hypotensive person who has lived with the numbers 95/60 all his life. A sudden increase in pressure even to the “cosmic” 120/80 mm Hg. Art. may cause a deterioration in health, reminiscent of a hypertensive crisis.
White coat hypertension is possible. However, the doctor cannot determine the correct pressure, since it will be higher at the appointment. And at home normal indicators are recorded. Only regular monitoring at home will help you determine your individual norm.
Methods for determining the norm
Each person is individual. This is determined not only by age, but also by other parameters: height, weight, gender. That is why calculation formulas were created that take into account age and weight. They help determine what pressure will be optimal for a particular individual.
The Volynsky formula is suitable for this. Used in people aged 17–79 years. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) pressure indicators are calculated separately.
SBP = 109 + (0.5 × number of years) + (0.1 × weight in kg)
DBP = 63 + (0.1 × years of life) + (0.15 × weight in kg)
There is another formula that is applicable for an adult 20–80 years old. Weight is not taken into account here:
SBP = 109 + (0.4 × age)
DBP = 67 + (0.3 × age)
Approximate calculations for those who don’t want to count:
| Age in years | SBP/DBP, mm Hg. Art. |
| 20 – 30 | 117/74 – 121/76 |
| 30 – 40 | 121/76 – 125/79 |
| 40 – 50 | 125/79 – 129/82 |
| 50 – 60 | 129/82 – 133/85 |
| 60 – 70 | 133/85 – 137/88 |
| 70 – 80 | 137/88 – 141/91 |
Another reference table can be used to determine the norm:
| Age in years | SBP/DBP in men, mm Hg. Art. | SBP/DBP in women, mm Hg. Art. |
| Up to 1 year | 96/66 | 95/65 |
| 1 – 10 | 103/69 | 103/70 |
| 10 – 20 | 123/76 | 116/72 |
| 20 – 30 | 126/79 | 120/75 |
| 30 – 40 | 129/81 | 127/80 |
| 40 – 50 | 135/83 | 137/84 |
| 50 – 60 | 142/85 | 144/85 |
| 60 – 70 | 145/82 | 159/85 |
| 70 – 80 | 147/82 | 157/83 |
| 80 – 90 | 145/78 | 150/79 |
The indicators here differ from what can be obtained using calculation formulas. Studying the numbers, you can see that with age they become higher. In people under 40 years of age, rates are higher in men. After this milestone, the picture changes, and women’s blood pressure becomes higher. This is due to hormonal changes in the female body. The numbers for people over 50 are noteworthy. They are higher than those currently defined as normal.
Conclusion
When assessing the tonometer indicators, the doctor always focuses on the accepted classification, regardless of how old the person is. The same blood pressure norm should be taken into account during home monitoring. Only with such values does the body function fully, vital organs do not suffer, and the risk of cardiovascular complications is reduced.
The exception is for elderly people or those who have had a stroke. In this situation, it is better to keep the numbers no higher than 150/80 mmHg. Art. In other cases, any significant deviations from the standards should be a reason to consult a doctor. This may hide diseases that require treatment.
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Level of upper blood pressure limits
The upper norm of blood pressure, beyond which one speaks of arterial hypertension, is 140/90. If the tonometer often shows high results, you need to look with your doctor for the reasons for the increase in order to normalize the condition with medications, herbs, physiotherapy, auto-training, etc.
The first step is to evaluate and adjust, if necessary, your lifestyle. What normal blood pressure can a person have if he smokes, moves little, eats everything in unlimited quantities? If the blood pressure norm is exceeded to 160/90, tablets are prescribed. In the presence of ischemia, diabetes mellitus and other pathologies, treatment begins earlier, when normal blood pressure is slightly exceeded. For hypertension, treatment is aimed at achieving normal blood pressure in the range of 140-135 by approximately 65-90.
If you have atherosclerosis, you cannot sharply reduce your blood pressure, as this can lead to a heart attack or stroke. With kidney pathology, with diabetes mellitus and in everyone who has not reached 60 years of age, normal blood pressure should be within the range of 120-130 at about 85.
Lower limits of blood pressure
In ordinary people, normal blood pressure is better so that it does not fall below the limits of 110/65. If it systematically decreases, blood does not flow normally to the organs, and with it nutrition and oxygen enrichment. The brain will be especially sensitive to oxygen deficiency. Of course, there are people who, until old age, feel great with a blood pressure of 90/60, and do not complain about anything. Typically, low numbers on the blood pressure monitor are found in people who have once been involved in sports, the reason is due to hypertrophy of the heart. In older years, it is advisable not to have too low blood pressure, since this is fraught with the occurrence of brain pathologies. Upon reaching 50 years of age, the normal diastolic pressure for a person is about 85-89.
When speaking about what pressure is considered normal and how it is measured, it should be noted that doctors often take measurements on each arm. This is important, because normal pressure and pulse are the same in both hands, or a slight difference of 5 mm is allowed in the right hand if it is working.
But if a difference of 10 mm or higher is detected, this may indicate the development of atherosclerosis; with a difference of 15-20 mm, stenosis of blood vessels or their abnormal development is possible.
Pulse pressure
In normal conditions, pulse pressure is within the range of 35+-10. Up to 35 years of age, 25-40 will be considered normal, in old age - 50. In situations where the pulse rate is too low, this is associated with a heart attack, the presence of atrial fibrillation, tamponade and other cardiac pathologies.
A high pulse in an adult can signal to the doctor about the presence of heart failure and atherosclerosis. This condition occurs against the background of endocarditis, pregnancy, anemia, and blockages inside the heart.
Typically, specialists do not calculate pulse pressure by subtracting diastolic readings from systolic readings. There are special tables, and the pressure difference should not exceed 10%.
Pressure standards in tables
When talking about what blood pressure should be in women and men, they mean not the number of years itself, but those changes in the body that are characteristic of each stage of life and that affect blood pressure levels.
If you look for information about female blood pressure norms by age, the table will contain the following data by year:
- 20 – 116 / 72;
- 30 –120 / 75;
- 40 – 127 / 80;
- 50 – 135 / 84;
- 60-65 – 135 / 85;
- Over 65 – 135 / 89.
If we talk about the normal blood pressure in adults, the table for men will contain the following indicators by year:
- 20 – 123 / 76;
- 30 – 126 / 79;
- 40 – 129 / 81;
- 50 – 135 / 83;
- 60-65 – 135 / 85;
- for 65 – 135 / 89.
The table gives approximately the pressure given in the lists by age, since much changes depending on the condition and activity of a person. In females, blood pressure and pulse rates are different from males, which is due, among other things, to lower body weight. Already over 60 years, if we consider how blood pressure differs, the norm by age in relation to gender is similar.
Normal blood pressure in a pregnant woman
If a pregnant woman does not suffer from pathology, then normal blood pressure and pulse do not change until the end of the second trimester. Subsequently, due to hormonal changes, the pressure increases slightly, but no more than 10 mm from normal. If the course of pregnancy occurs with pathologies, surges in blood pressure, problems with the functioning of the brain, kidneys, and even seizures are possible.
If before family planning a woman’s blood pressure was elevated, then while carrying a baby the condition may become worse - hypertensive crises and constantly elevated blood pressure are possible. In such situations, treatment within stationary walls and correction of the condition is possible.
Blood pressure in children
When expressing what blood pressure is considered normal, children need to be singled out separately. In infants, the figure is 80 to 50, and as they grow older, the figure will generally increase. Leading doctors monitor blood pressure norms by age for babies to identify abnormalities in the heart, nervous system failures, any developmental defects, etc. For infants, the following blood pressure norms by age are calculated below:
- 1 month min. 80 / 40 max. 112 / 74;
- from 2 months to 2 years min. 90 / 50 max. 112 / 74;
- from 2 to 3 years min. 100 / 50 max. 112 / 74;
- from 3 to 5 years min. 100 / 60 max. 115 / 76;
- from 5 to 11 years min. 100 / 60 max. 122/78.
Blood pressure in teenagers
Continuing the conversation about human pressure, the age norm in relation to the younger generation is also discussed separately. The period of growing up catches a little person at the age of 11 and is accompanied by the growth of all systems and organs, muscle growth, and hormonal surges.
Hormones actively influence the functions of the heart and blood vessels. For example, at the age of 11-12 years, blood pressure in the younger generation varies from 110/70 to 126/82. In the period of 13-15 years, the condition normalizes if blood pressure and pulse are measured; the norm is approximately the same as in adults - from 110/82. 70 to 136 / 86.
Why does blood pressure rise?
When the results of blood pressure measurements exceed approximately the established norms, there may be various reasons for this. For example, it could be hypertension, characterized by persistent high blood pressure and periodic crises. Another reason is adrenal tumors or pathologies of the renal vessels, which will be characterized by the same symptoms as hypertension. With VSD, pressure surges usually do not exceed 140 to 90 and occur with chills, pain, difficulty breathing and other symptoms.
A surge in diastolic pressure is characteristic of kidney pathology and is fraught with heart attack and brain catastrophes. An increase in systolic pressure is typical for older people, patients with heart disease and anemia. An increase in pulse pressure threatens a stroke or heart attack.
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General information about blood pressure settings for adults
What does it mean to measure blood pressure and how to decipher the tonometer readings? The normal pressure is 120/80 (one hundred and twenty over eighty), where 120 is the systolic (upper) and 80 is the diastolic (lower) value of the measured parameters. If at rest the indicators are lower or higher than standard, then this is a reason for a full examination and identification of disturbances in the functioning of vital organs: heart, kidneys, endocrine organs. When measuring blood pressure, two parameters are recorded:
- the systolic indicator is formed when the heart muscle contracts;
- Diastolic pressure is recorded between heart beats.
It should be understood that normal blood pressure and pulse change upward with age. Thus, diastolic pressure increases up to 60-65 years, in a more mature period it stabilizes or begins to decrease. The systolic indicator tends to constantly increase. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to measure blood pressure three times a day and record the results in a diary. Based on observations, the doctor prescribes additional tests and selects the optimal treatment regimen.
Main causes of the disease depending on age
Changes in blood pressure are manifested by characteristic symptoms: redness of the skin of the face, dizziness, nausea and a feeling of heat. People suffering from heart and vascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and older age groups are at risk. Of particular danger is the asymptomatic course of the disease, when elevated blood pressure does not affect well-being. Let's look at the main reasons, including what normal blood pressure a person has according to age.
- Up to 14 years of age, sharp deviations in blood pressure from the norm are a consequence of kidney diseases, congenital heart defects and large vessels. By the end of puberty, the role of endocrine diseases will sharply increase. Recently, a dependence of blood pressure on excess body weight has also been noted.
- In an adult, the value of secondary hypertension decreases after 25-30 years and a combination of factors leading to the development of reactive hypertension comes to the fore. During this period, hypertension is caused by work schedules, stress, lack of sleep and increased mental stress. The disease is transient in nature, so the patient needs constant monitoring, timely correction of blood pressure and daily routine.
- Normal blood pressure of a person aged 30 to 40 years is characterized by standard measurement values - 80-90/120-130. Deviation from the norm is manifested by headaches, weather sensitivity and hypertensive crises. The medical community urges people not to neglect daily blood pressure measurements, even in the absence of symptoms. From this period, the disease cannot be cured, but modern medicine makes it possible to keep the disease under complete control until the end of life.
- From 40 to 50 years, the first signs of atherosclerosis appear, which tends to progress, especially against the background of uncontrolled blood pressure. In most cases, the disease has a hidden course and the person adapts to elevated blood pressure levels. Any stressful situation or sudden change in atmospheric pressure can lead to a crisis or vascular accident - a heart attack or stroke.
After 50 years, persistent systolic hypertension develops, which, if not properly treated, leads to serious complications, decreased quality of life and loss of ability to work. Arterial hypertension with a violation of the systolic indicator (upper pressure) increases with age. By the age of 70, the lower and upper values of blood pressure have increased values, which are recorded in 80% of cases.
Normal blood pressure by age
A person’s blood pressure and the norm by age are uninformative concepts, since the numbers vary in each clinical situation. But there are optimal values that doctors and patients focus on. Below is a table that describes what the pressure should be. Deviation from the norm is considered a pathology and requires therapeutic correction.
Table of norm indicators:
As can be seen from the table, With age, blood pressure levels undergo significant changes However, these figures are statistical averages. Chronic pathologies are of critical importance in deteriorating the functional indicators of vital systems of the body. Blood pressure values are a trigger for diseases and can have deviations, both upward and downward.
Risk factors
In addition to ailments characteristic of each age category, doctors determine risk factors. By taking preventive measures, you can avoid unwanted pressure surges and unnecessary drug load on the body. Pathological conditions affecting blood pressure indicators include:
- increased platelet levels in the blood;
- heredity;
- hormonal imbalance;
- atherosclerotic changes in blood vessels;
- endocrinological and autoimmune pathologies;
- cardiovascular diseases.
Another influencing factor is weather fluctuations. Normal atmospheric pressure for a person and his well-being is approximately 760 mmHg; if the reading changes by 10 units, the condition of weather-sensitive people worsens. The changes are due to the dependence of blood pressure on atmospheric pressure, with a decrease in which metabolic processes and blood circulation speed slow down. In this case, hypertensive patients experience a drop in blood pressure, while hypotensive patients experience an increase.
In old age, irreversible processes occur in the human body due to a slowdown in metabolism, changes in hormone levels and other objective reasons. What pressure corresponds to your age, taking into account vital signs, can only be determined in each specific case by a doctor.
Diagnosis and treatment of the disease
Identification of the causes of abnormal blood pressure readings occurs on the basis of anamnesis and general clinical examination. The patient is prescribed:
- clinical and biochemical studies of physiological fluids - blood and urine; tests allow us to identify the risks of endocrine diseases, the degree of kidney damage and ongoing inflammatory processes;
- To clarify the diagnosis, a blood test is performed to determine the amount of chemical elements; deviations from the norm indicate a violation of metabolic processes and compensation mechanisms;
- hardware examinations of the heart muscle - cardiogram, ultrasound;
- Holter monitoring.
Based on the tests performed, the doctor prescribes a therapeutic treatment regimen aimed at relieving the underlying disease. Based on the clinical condition of each patient, a combination of antihypertensive and restorative drugs is simultaneously selected.
Hypertension is an incurable pathology, but using the achievements of modern medicine and pharmaceuticals, the disease can and should be kept under control!
The disease is insidious, and its symptoms are identified with overwork or chronic lack of sleep. This is why most young and middle-aged patients learn about the diagnosis when they find themselves in a hospital bed after a crisis. Only systematic monitoring of blood pressure levels, competent therapy and lifestyle correction can avoid critical situations and preserve physical health for a long time.
High diastolic pressure causes and treatment
