Blood pressure and pulse are two basic indicators of the cardiovascular system's function. It is convenient to compare them with age ranges, but the numbers must be interpreted with allowance for the measurement conditions. Below are reference tables and explanations for them.
What Blood Pressure and Pulse Show
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers. The upper, systolic, reflects the pressure in the arteries at the moment the heart contracts and depends on the force of contraction, the resistance of the vessel walls, and the number of contractions. The lower, diastolic, shows the pressure at the moment the heart muscle relaxes and reflects the resistance of the peripheral vessels. The difference between them is pulse pressure, normally 30–50 mmHg. A typical value for a healthy person is 120/80 mmHg.
Pulse is the number of heartbeats per minute. It is measured where the artery passes close to the skin: at the wrist, neck, popliteal fossa, groin, temple, and foot.
Normal Blood Pressure by Age: Table
The modern approach makes no allowance for age: for everyone over 17, a pressure below 120/80 mmHg is considered optimal. For adolescents aged 14–16 with normal physical development, the upper limit of normal is 129/69 mmHg. A persistent elevation above 140/90 is regarded as arterial hypertension, and a persistent decrease below 90/60 as hypotension.
| Group | Reference |
|---|---|
| Adults over 17, optimal | below 120/80 |
| Adolescents 14–16, upper limit | 129/69 |
| Prehypertension | 120–139 / 80–89 |
| Hypertension when measured by a healthcare professional | 140/90 and above |
| Hypertension when measured at home | 135/85 and above |
Starting from 115/75 mmHg, every additional 20/10 mmHg increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. People with readings of 120–139/80–89 are advised to change their lifestyle.
Normal Pulse by Age: Table
Resting pulse is measured after at least 10 minutes of rest.
| Age | Beats per minute |
|---|---|
| Newborns 0–1 month | 70–190 |
| Infants 1–11 months | 80–160 |
| 1–2 years | 80–130 |
| 3–4 years | 80–120 |
| 5–6 years | 75–115 |
| 7–9 years | 70–110 |
| 10 years and older, adults | 60–100 |
| Trained athletes | 40–60 |
What Deviations from Normal Depend On
Blood pressure changes over the course of the day, rises under stress, and depends on the intake of coffee, tea, stimulants, and medications. The risk of hypertension is higher with age, in people with close relatives who have hypertension, with excess body weight, smoking, excess alcohol, salty food, and prolonged stress. Pulse quickens with infection or dehydration; a persistently high resting rate (tachycardia) and a low one (bradycardia) require discussion with a doctor.
How to Measure Blood Pressure and Pulse Correctly
Blood pressure is measured with a tonometer: the cuff is placed on the upper arm, and in the non-automatic Korotkov method a stethoscope is used. The pulse at the wrist is found with the index and middle fingers below the base of the thumb, pressed with flat fingers, and the beats are counted for a full minute or for 30 seconds multiplied by 2; counting for 10 or 15 seconds multiplied by 6 or 4 is acceptable. The pulse at the neck is measured sitting or lying down, gently, on one side only: in some people the carotid arteries are sensitive to pressure, and slowing of the rhythm and fainting are possible.
- Rest for at least 10 minutes before measuring your pulse.
- Count the beats for a full minute or a proportionally shortened interval.
- Do not measure the pulse on both sides of the neck at the same time.
- Take repeat blood pressure measurements under identical conditions.
When Deviations in Blood Pressure and Pulse Require a Doctor
Hypertension usually produces no symptoms, so the only way to detect it is measurement. Blood pressure is checked at a pharmacy or by a doctor when elevated pressure or a risk of it is suspected, and also for people aged 40 and older if blood pressure has not been measured for more than 5 years. The doctor may suggest a home tonometer, a repeat visit, or a 24-hour portable monitor. A persistently high pulse rate, a low rate, a very hard pulse lasting more than a few minutes, or an irregular rhythm requires consultation. A pulse that is difficult to feel may indicate arterial blockage; a Doppler study is ordered to check. Elevated blood pressure without treatment increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease.
A deviation in readings alone is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103 or 112 — if sudden pressing pain or discomfort in the chest appears that does not pass, the pain radiates to the arm, neck, jaw, abdomen, or back, or chest pain is accompanied by sweating, nausea, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Blood pressure and pulse are like a pressure gauge on a pump: the numbers are useful only if taken according to the rules and compared with context. This material is for reference and does not replace consultation with a doctor.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer