Your Blood Pressure Isn’t a Static Affair: Many Factors Shape Your Numbers

If a stressful situation, like giving an impromptu speech or facing an unexpected deadline, leaves you feeling lightheaded or dizzy, sitting down and taking a deep breath is essential. Stress often triggers fluctuations in blood pressure, which is the force exerted by your heart as it pumps blood through your arteries. These readings can vary depending on factors like age, gender, and how you react to stress; however, there is a range that is deemed normal. If the readings are too high or too low than normal, you need to stop and take note. In India, over 200 million adults are estimated to be diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure. Knowing the normal readings can help you take preventive measures to prevent serious health complications. 

Blood pressure is specifically measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg). It is given in two numbers – systolic (the upper reading) and diastolic (the lower reading). The reading is like 120/80 mm Hg, where both the units are measured in millimetres of mercury.

• 120 mm Hg (systolic)

This measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is beating. 

• 80 mm Hg (diastolic)

This measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting.

Blood pressure ranges can differ by age and gender and fluctuate depending on various factors, including emotions, sleep and activity level. Typically, normal blood pressure readings should be within 120/80 mm Hg. Anything excessively lower or higher should be consulted with a doctor. 

According to the WHO, one out of four individuals in India have hypertension, and over 90% of adults with hypertension are either undiagnosed or untreated. And even if treated, they have uncontrolled hypertension.

• Newborns up to 1 month: Systolic 60–90 mm Hg; diastolic 20–60 mm Hg
• Infants: Systolic 87–105 mm Hg; diastolic 53–66 mm Hg
• Toddlers: Systolic 95–105 mm Hg; diastolic 53–66 mm Hg
• Preschoolers: Systolic 95–110 mm Hg; diastolic 56–70 mm Hg
• School-aged children: Systolic 97–112 mm Hg; diastolic 57–71 mm Hg
• Adolescents: Systolic 112–128 mm Hg; diastolic 66–80 mm Hg

• Women: 110/68 mm Hg
• Men: 119/70 mm Hg
• 40–59 years:
• Women: 122/74 mm Hg
• Men: 124/77 mm Hg
• 60+ years:
• Women: 139/68 mm Hg
• Men: 133/69 mm Hg

To maintain healthy blood pressure, consider these easy lifestyle adjustments:

• Manage your stress levels. Dr Vanita Arora, MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), DNB (Cardiology), New Delhi, advises, “Stress can cause high blood pressure. Try to reduce stress in everyday life. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness can help manage and lower blood pressure.”
• Lose extra pounds and avoid obesity to ensure your BP levels stay stable.
• Follow a low salt, no saturated fats, no trans fats, no LDL cholesterol, and no sugar diet. Also, add more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to your diet.
• Engage in physical activities, as regular exercise helps lower blood pressure.
• Avoid smoking, as it has adverse effects on your blood vessels.
• Drinking too much alcohol is a risk factor for high blood pressure. Reducing the amount of alcohol consumed will lower blood pressure among heavy drinkers.
• Good sleep will help reduce blood pressure.

As we walk through life, our blood pressure tends to change. Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is key to staying healthy. Regular check-ups are your best friend for managing those numbers and catching any problems before they escalate. Understanding what’s considered normal for your age and gender is necessary. Whether you’re a kid, a teen, an adult, or a senior, it's important to pay attention to those readings.

Regardless of age, blood pressure measuring above 130/80 mm Hg or above is high. However, acceptable ranges can vary based on age and health conditions.

• It is important to check blood pressure on a regular basis.
• Adults: Once a year if everything is normal; more often if readings are elevated or risk factors are present.
• Children and teens: During routine check-ups, particularly in cases where hypertension runs in the family.

Managing high blood pressure is the same for all ages; specific medications and lifestyle recommendations may be adjusted based on age and other health conditions.

Yes, blood pressure can change with age. As blood vessels usually become stiffer over time, blood pressure may also increase as you age.

• Children: Vary by age but are generally lower than adults.
• Adults (18–39 years): Around 110/68 mm Hg for women and 119/70 mm Hg for men.
• Adults (40–59 years): Around 122/74 mm Hg for women and 124/77 mm Hg for men.
• Adults (60+ years): Around 139/68 mm Hg for women and 133/69 mm Hg for men.

No, a reading of 140/90 mm Hg is considered high blood pressure. 

Blood pressure measuring repeatedly above 130/80 mm Hg is considered high, regardless of age. The older you get, the more likely you are to develop high blood pressure.