Understanding blood pressure readings.Know your risk factors for high blood pressure.Hypertensive crisis: When you should call 9-1-1 for high blood pressure.American Heart Association’s diet and lifestyle recommendations.You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. We link primary sources - including studies, scientific references, and statistics - within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. A parent or caregiver should talk to a child’s doctor about healthy ranges for children, as age, weight, and sex can all affect these numbers. In stage 2 hypertension, the numbers will range between:įinally, if a person has hypertension crisis, the numbers will read: In stage 1 hypertension, the numbers will range between: taking medications that target blood pressure.treating other conditions that may be contributing, such as sleep apnea.Lower blood pressure is especially common in athletes and young people.Ī person has elevated blood pressure if their readings are:Ī person with elevated blood pressure is not yet hypertensive and can take steps to help prevent progression to hypertension. If a person has the following numbers, they have low blood pressure: If they are having trouble with blood pressure, a doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help regulate it.Īccording to the American Heart Association, a healthy blood pressure range is: Typically, a person can keep their blood pressure in the normal range by maintaining a healthy weight through a healthful diet that limits alcohol and salt intake, and by exercising regularly. Severe hypotension can increase the risk of organ damage and fainting due to the loss of oxygen-rich blood. If blood pressure falls too low, it can cause people to feel dizzy or light-headed and, in extreme cases, can compromise blood flow to the organs. Low blood pressure - or hypotension - is a sign of good health, but can be abnormal in certain situations, such as during severe infection. People with high blood pressure - or hypertension - are at risk of developing heart problems and damage to the walls of the blood vessels.

Healthcare professionals measure blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).ĭoctors can use blood pressure as an indicator of a person’s heart health. Blood pressure refers to the force that blood puts on the walls of the blood vessels as the heart pumps blood.

Blood pressure for seniors chart