Normal bp range

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normal blood pressure range adults 2024 guidelines

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Here is a complete breakdown of normal and abnormal blood pressure ranges based on current guidelines (AHA/ACC, including the 2025 updated guideline):

Blood Pressure Categories (Adults)

CategorySystolic (mmHg)Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal< 120AND< 80
Elevated120 - 129AND< 80
High BP Stage 1130 - 139OR80 - 89
High BP Stage 2≥ 140OR≥ 90
Hypertensive Crisis> 180AND/OR> 120
Low (Hypotension)< 90OR< 60

Key Points

  • Normal = systolic < 120 AND diastolic < 80 mmHg
  • The top number (systolic) = pressure when the heart beats
  • The bottom number (diastolic) = pressure when the heart rests between beats
  • Typical averages by age group:
    • Ages 18-39: ~115/75 mmHg
    • Ages 40-59: ~120/80 mmHg
    • Ages 60+: ~125/80 mmHg

Special Populations

  • Children: Normal BP is defined by age, sex, and height percentiles - not a single fixed number
  • Pregnant women: BP should stay below 120/80; readings of 140/90 or higher indicate gestational hypertension
  • CKD patients: Target is often < 130/80 mmHg

The threshold for diagnosing hypertension was lowered from 140/90 to 130/80 mmHg in the 2017 AHA/ACC guidelines, and this remains the standard in the 2025 AHA/ACC guidelines. This means "elevated" BP (120-129/<80) is a pre-hypertension warning zone that warrants lifestyle changes.
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