Blood pressure categories (all adults)
- Normal: below 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120–129 / below 80
- High (stage 1): 130–139 / 80–89
- High (stage 2): 140+ / 90+
These thresholds apply across adult ages — the category, not your age, is what defines a high reading.
Typical readings by age
On average, blood pressure creeps up over the decades — a healthy young adult might sit around 110–120 systolic, while readings in the 120s–130s become more common with age. That’s a trend, not a target: the goal is still to keep readings in the healthy range where possible.
- 18–39: often around 110–120 / 70–80
- 40–59: often around 120–130 / 75–85
- 60+: often around 125–135 / 75–85
These are rough averages, not personal targets — your clinician sets the right target for you.
Why targets can differ
For some older adults or people with certain conditions, clinicians may set a slightly different target to balance benefits and side effects of treatment. Always follow the target your own clinician gives you.