What is normal blood pressure level? What do your bp readings mean?
Your blood pressure reading of 114/62 indicates an Ideal blood pressure. The requirements are met with a systolic (upper) value under 120 mmHg and a diastolic (lower) value of under 80 mmHg. The ideal blood pressure is the best requirement to avoid damaging of vessels and organs. For children ranging from ages 6 to 9 years, the systolic blood pressure should range from 108 to 121, with a diastolic pressure reading between 71 and 81. For children ranging from ages 10 to 12 years, the systolic blood pressure should range from 114 to 127, with a diastolic pressure reading between 77 and 83. Normal Blood Pressure in Adults.
Relax~ Here is a blood pressure chart by age to help you find out the normal range that you should achieve for good health.
Now you may know 120/80 mm Hg is the ideal reading. However, there are various factors that affect the average numbers one should own. For example, age. The normal blood pressure values for children and elderly are not the same.
On the other hand, the blood pressure for pregnant women may fluctuate. But the average level is more or less the same as any adult’s readings. Doctor may determine it as hypertension when the bp result is 140/90 mm Hg or higher.
Is 114 62 Blood Pressure High
Blood Pressure Reading Chart
Below is a blood pressure reading chart for you.
*Remember that the larger figure in your reading represents the systolic value; the smaller figure represents your diastolic value. Systolic is the measurement of pressure when the heart is beating. Diastolic is the measurement of pressure when the heart is resting.
Blood Pressure Chart By Age
Understanding blood pressure readings is important. This is a reference for you regarding the normal blood pressure level for 1 month infant to 64 years old elderly.
Blood Pressure Log
114 Over 54 Blood Pressure
If you are a hypertension patient, you may need to track and keep your daily blood pressure numbers. This will be a useful reference for your doctor to examine your condition.
So feel free to use this printable blood pressure log I created. Just right click, save image as and print it out for your recording purpose.
Check out these tips of measuring your blood pressure so you can get the most precise figures:
- Visit your doctor and test your home monitor. Compare the readings produced by your monitor with your doctor’s result to confirm its accuracy
- Avoid measuring your bp immediately after you wake up, after exercising, taking medicine, smoking or feeling stress
- Always check your bp at the same time, 2 times per day is enough
- Write down notes if you experience any discomfort or unusual conditions
Read more on: • What is hypertension • Food to lower blood pressure • Hypotension causes
By Angelike Gaunt, content strategist
Your blood pressure is the barometer of your overall circulatory health. Your circulatory system is made up of your heart and blood vessels, which carry oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. But did you know that more than 70% of U.S. seniors have high blood pressure? High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a major health risk that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.
You can help your elderly loved one take an active role in lowering their blood pressure with simple lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and eating healthy, balanced meals. If your aging parent lives in an assisted living community, ask about exercise programs and meal options that are low in sodium. But if changes in lifestyle don’t help, prescription medications have proven very effective in lowering blood pressure.
What Is a Good Blood Pressure Target by Age?
Blood pressure often rises with age, but experts agree lower numbers are better for overall health. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The top number is the systolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure caused by the heart contracting and squeezing out blood. The bottom number is diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart relaxes and fills with blood.
Elderly Blood Pressure Range for Men and Women
Medical organizations’ guidelines for blood pressure targets in older adults differ. The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) updated their guidelines in 2017 to recommend men and women who are 65 or older aim for a blood pressure lower than 130/80 mm Hg.
| Blood Pressure Category for Adults 65+ | Systolic mm Hg | Diastolic mm Hg |
|---|---|---|
| Low blood pressure | 90 or lower | 60 or lower |
| Normal blood pressure | Lower than 120 | Lower than 80 |
| Elevated blood pressure | 120 – 129 | Lower than 80 |
| High blood pressure stage 1 | 130 – 139 | 80 – 89 |
| High blood pressure stage 2 | 140 or higher | 90 or higher |
| High blood pressure crisis — see your doctor immediately | 180 or higher | 120 or higher |
For older adults whose blood pressure is elevated but lower than 130/80 mm Hg, lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt, and limiting alcohol can help regulate it.
The updated ACC and AHA guidelines recommend that older adults with a blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher be treated with medication. Previous recommendations set the threshold for high blood pressure treatment with medication for adults 65 or older at 150/80 mm Hg.
This change aims to reduce the risk of heart disease in older adults. However, your loved one’s doctor will assess their overall health and any other conditions before determining the best course of action to help your aging parent control their blood pressure.
Since blood pressure tends to increase with age, some medical societies argue about the effectiveness and safety of treating older adults for high blood pressure. Overall, older adults should aim for lower blood pressure numbers but a blood pressure reading of 90/60 mm Hg or lower is considered too low (hypotension). Excessively low blood pressure may cause dizziness or fainting, and increase the risk of falls.
Why Does Blood Pressure Increase With Age?
Doctors don’t completely understand why blood pressure tends to rise with age. Blood pressure is the force of blood as it flows through the arteries. As you age, your arteries may narrow and become stiff. Narrow arteries lead to an increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage the walls of the arteries and the heart itself.
In some cases, high blood pressure could be a result of lifestyle, the environment, certain medications, or other conditions such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, or thyroid problems.
What You Should Know About Fluctuating Blood Pressure in the Elderly
As you help monitor your loved one’s blood pressure, keep in mind that numbers fluctuate slightly throughout the day — that’s normal. Several factors influence your blood pressure numbers. For example, your blood pressure may be lower if you’re resting and higher if you’re stressed. This means you may have a normal reading in the morning and an elevated number in the afternoon.
If you’re concerned about excessive fluctuation in your loved one’s blood pressure numbers:
- Read instructions to ensure you’re using your home blood pressure monitor equipment correctly. Variations in how you measure your loved one’s blood pressure can result in different readings.
- Bring your home monitor to your next doctor’s appointment to compare readings.
- Be aware of “white coat hypertension.” In some cases, a person’s blood pressure may be high at a doctor’s office but normal at home. This could be attributed to the stress related to a doctor’s appointment.
Your loved one’s doctor may want you to keep a blood pressure diary with several readings a day for a couple of weeks to monitor any variations.
114 Over 62 Blood Pressure
How Older Adults Can Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure
Maintaining a healthy blood pressure doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple lifestyle changes can help:
- Exercise. National guidelines recommend adults of all ages engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. If mobility or health conditions are a problem, older adults should try to be as physically active as possible.
- Lose weight. If your loved one is overweight, every 2 pounds lost can help reduce blood pressure by 1 mm Hg.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet low in salt. The DASH diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. It was designed specifically to help lower blood pressure. Try to limit sodium to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day.
- Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can raise your blood pressure. If your loved one chooses to drink alcoholic drinks, limit it to no more than one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
- Don’t smoke. Tobacco damages your artery walls. If your loved one smokes, ask their doctor how to help them quit.
- Manage stress. Try simple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation.
In some cases, diet and lifestyle changes are not enough to lower blood pressure. Your loved one may be having a difficult time achieving significant changes in their lifestyle, or their hypertension may be too severe to treat with diet and exercise alone.
Several types of medication are available to treat high blood pressure. Talk to your elderly loved one’s doctor about whether a combination of medication, diet, and lifestyle changes may help control their blood pressure.