What is a normal blood pressure for my age?
When you measure your blood pressure, either at home or at your GP’s clinic, do you know what a normal reading looks like? Many people refer to a blood pressure chart that shows what’s considered normal, elevated, high, or a medical emergency. But normal blood pressure also varies by age. A healthy blood pressure for an older adult might be considered too high for you.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around one-third of Australian adults have high blood pressure, and many are unaware of it. Because blood pressure gives important insight into how your cardiovascular system is functioning, it is routinely measured at most medical appointments.
That’s why it’s important to know your blood pressure numbers and whether they’re within a healthy range for your age.
Blood pressure chart by age: adults
While a doctor will diagnose high blood pressure using a universal threshold of 140/90 mmHg for all adults, the average blood pressure of the population changes with age. This chart shows the ideal blood pressure ranges for healthy Australian adults, according to the Heart Research Institute.
| Age | Women | Men |
| 18–39 years | 110/68 mm Hg | 119/70 mm Hg |
| 40–59 years | 122/74 mm Hg | 124/77 mm Hg |
| 60+ years | 139/68 mm Hg | 133/69 mm Hg |
Note: This chart represents ideal averages for the population, not the clinical threshold for hypertension. Your personal blood pressure goals should be set with your GP. The National Heart Foundation of Australia provides the following classifications for adults:
- Optimal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Normal: 120/80 mmHg to 129/84 mmHg
- High-normal: 130/85 mmHg to 139/89 mmHg
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): 140/90 mmHg or higher
Children and teenagers
Blood pressure is generally lower in childhood and increases steadily with age. Paediatricians use specific growth charts to determine if a child’s blood pressure is in a healthy range for their age, height, and sex.
Is normal blood pressure different for men and women?
During childhood and adolescence, girls usually have slightly lower blood pressure than boys. In adulthood, this difference reduces, and from around age 50 onwards, women tend to have similar average blood pressure ranges to men due to hormonal changes. Overall, the difference is usually only a few mmHg.
Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, reducing salt intake, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet can help support healthy blood pressure. If lifestyle changes are not enough, your GP may prescribe blood pressure medication to lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Regular monitoring is important, even if you feel well.
Understanding systolic and diastolic blood pressure
A blood pressure reading has two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure (the top number) shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood.
- Diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) shows the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.
Both are measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).
When can blood pressure rise temporarily?
Physical activity and stress
Blood pressure naturally rises during exercise, stress, or excitement. This is usually harmless if your cardiovascular system is healthy, and it typically returns to normal afterwards.
White coat hypertension
Some people experience elevated readings at the GP’s clinic due to anxiety. This is called white coat hypertension. While a single high reading is not usually a concern, your GP may recommend multiple readings across different days to confirm whether your blood pressure is consistently high.
A good way to understand your blood pressure status is to monitor it continuously with a wearable blood pressure monitor. This can show your total time in your target range, providing a clearer picture of your blood pressure over time.
Key takeaways
Many Australians have high blood pressure without realising it, as symptoms are often absent in the early stages. Blood pressure tends to rise gradually with age, so what’s considered normal for one person may not be for another.
Knowing your numbers, making healthy lifestyle choices, and seeing your GP regularly are the best ways to protect your heart health.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only. If you have symptoms of low or high blood pressure, speak to your doctor. They can advise on the best way to effectively manage your blood pressure.
Sources
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. High blood pressure. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure/contents/summary (Accessed September 2025)
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Hypertension and high measured blood pressure, 2022. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/hypertension-and-high-measured-blood-pressure/latest-release (Accessed September 2025)
Healthdirect Australia. High blood pressure (hypertension). https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/high-blood-pressure-hypertension (Accessed July 2025)
Heart Foundation. Heart health checks. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-health-education/heart-health-checks (Accessed September 2025)
Heart Foundation. Heart-healthy eating patterns. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/healthy-eating/heart-healthy-eating-pattern (Accessed July 2025)
National Heart Foundation of Australia. Guideline for the diagnosis and management of hypertension in adults. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/for-professionals/hypertension (Accessed July 2025)
National Health and Medical Research Council. Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/alcohol (Accessed July 2025)
The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne. Normal ranges for physiological variables. https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/normal_ranges_for_physiological_variables (Accessed September 2025)
