Blood pressure is the pressure the heart applies to the artery walls as it circulates blood throughout the body. Age can affect average blood pressure measurements. The relation between blood pressure and age is inseparable as people are more prone to high blood pressure as they age. Age-related blood vessel stiffening is one of the primary factors which can cause blood pressure to increase.
In Australia, adults with high blood pressure make up about half of the population. A person may be more susceptible to severe health disorders such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or renal disease if their blood pressure is too high or too low.
A blood pressure reading is the only way for a person to determine whether their blood pressure is within a normal range. A doctor can then treat the elevated blood pressure to avoid consequences.
This blog will look at the average blood pressure by age.
What does blood pressure mean?
The force of blood flowing through a person’s blood vessels is known as blood pressure.
- Systolic blood pressure (the first number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls when the heart beats.
- Diastolic blood pressure (the second number) – indicates how much pressure your blood is exerting against your artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.
Systolic blood pressure is written first, followed by diastolic blood pressure, like in the example of 120/80 millimetres of mercury (mm Hg).
It may indicate elevated blood pressure if either measurement is excessive. A low reading could indicate low blood pressure if it is too low. The cut-off point for diagnosing high blood pressure doesn’t really change with age.
Blood Pressure and Age Relationship
Numerous studies have monitored adults in Western nations over time to examine how blood pressure variations related to age. Although this association may be caused by several factors, including food, environmental contaminants, and the structural integrity of arteries, the consensus is that blood pressure rises with age. This increase in blood pressure is typically linked to a higher risk of coronary heart disease. However, in non-Westernised nations, there does not appear to be as strong of a correlation between age and blood pressure as one might anticipate in a Westernised nation. This lower BP has a lower risk of causing coronary heart disease.
Relation between age and blood pressure
Source: Katwijk, C & Peeters, Louis. (1998). Clinical aspects of pregnancy after the age of 35 years: A review of the literature. Human reproduction update. 4. 185-94. 10.1093/humupd/4.2.185.
Age and Blood Pressure Variations By Gender
According to a 2020 review, women are more likely than men to experience fluctuations in blood pressure. Additionally, the researchers observe that in females, the cardiovascular disease appears distinctly.
When to Seek Medical Help
Beginning at age 18, a person should ask for a blood pressure check every two years from a medical professional. People older than age 40 or younger but with a greater risk of high blood pressure should ask their doctor for a blood pressure test annually.
Individuals might need to check their blood pressure more frequently if they have abnormally high or low blood pressure.
Low blood pressure that occurs on its own is not dangerous, but if other symptoms accompany it, a person should consult a doctor. To help with diagnosis, a person should record their symptoms, activities, and when they occur.
If a person suspects they may have high blood pressure or know they do and their blood pressure is not under control, they must get medical assistance.
The Closing Remark
According to a survey, the lifetime risk of high blood pressure ranges from 69 to 86% from 20 to 85. People should periodically check their blood pressure as they age to prevent abnormalities and complications.
Numerous factors can cause blood pressure to be too high or too low, which increases the risk of serious medical diseases and complications.
Maintaining good living habits or altering one’s way of life can lower blood pressure. Doctors might recommend medications to help keep blood pressure within a normal range.
Heartscope Specialist Group also assists patients in developing a plan of action to lower blood pressure and the risk of long-term consequences.
