Blood pressure reference values, target values and age-related classification of blood pressure
We often get questions about what blood pressure is normal at different ages. We use our developed table of globally harmonized blood pressure reference values. Since most professional societies, on whose classifications our table is based, do not make age-specific distinctions in reference values for adults, we do not either. The classification applies to all adults.
German Hypertension League blood pressure reference table
| Systolic (mmHg) |
Diastolic (mmHg) |
|
| Optimal |
< 120 |
< 80 |
| Normal |
120-129 |
80-84 |
| High normal |
130-139 |
85-89 |
| Stage 1 hypertension |
140-159 |
90-99 |
| Stage 2 hypertension |
160-179 |
100-109 |
| Stage 3 hypertension |
>= 180 |
>= 110 |
| Isolated systolic hypertension |
>= 140 |
< 90 |
There is a slightly different set of blood pressure target values. These are based on measurements taken in the doctor's office and indicate which blood pressure levels should be achieved under treatment. "Treatment" here does not only mean medication, but also lifestyle changes especially for only mildly elevated values. The target values therefore apply to people whose doctor has already identified elevated blood pressure and who are already carrying out some form of treatment prescribed by their doctor.
Please also note that, according to the Hypertension League guidelines, a blood pressure of >=135 and/or >=85 mmHg measured at home is considered high blood pressure.
Please also note that, according to the Hypertension League guidelines, a blood pressure of >=135 and/or >=85 mmHg measured at home is considered high blood pressure.
There is a (albeit small) age-related classification for the target values. Please note, however, that treatment decisions and blood pressure targets for older patients who are frail or need assistance may need to be adjusted. "Older patient" here refers to people aged 65 and over.
Conditions that occur in addition to hypertension such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, coronary heart disease (CHD), or a previous stroke or a TIA (transient ischemic attack), often called a 'mini-stroke' can also play a role. This is especially true for people who, in addition to high blood pressure, also have chronic kidney disease whether caused by diabetes or not.
Target values from the guidelines of the German Hypertension League (2018)
Target ranges for blood pressure measurements taken in the doctor's office during treatment:
* including diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease
** refers to patients with a previous stroke, not to blood pressure targets immediately after an acute stroke
*** Treatment decisions and blood pressure targets may need to be adjusted for older patients who are frail or dependent.
In summary, there is no age-related distinction in blood pressure reference values. However, for people who already have high blood pressure, there are small age-related differences in the target values to be achieved under treatment. Existing pre-existing conditions also play a role.
| Age group | Target ranges for systolic blood pressure measured in the doctor's office | ||||
| Hypertension | + diabetes | + chronic kidney disease* | + coronary artery disease (CAD) | + stroke / TIA ("mini-stroke")** | |
| 18 – 65 years | Aim for <=130 mmHg, if tolerated, but not < 120 mmHg! |
Aim for <=130 mmHg, if tolerated, but not < 120 mmHg! |
Aim for 130 – 140 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for <=130 mmHg, if tolerated, but not < 120 mmHg! |
Aim for <=130 mmHg, if tolerated, but not < 120 mmHg! |
| 65 – 79 years*** | Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
| >= 80 years*** | Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
Aim for 130 – 139 mmHg, if tolerated |
| Target range for diastolic blood pressure measured in the office | 70 – 79 mmHg | 70 – 79 mmHg | 70 – 79 mmHg | 70 – 79 mmHg | 70 – 79 mmHg |
** refers to patients with a previous stroke, not to blood pressure targets immediately after an acute stroke
*** Treatment decisions and blood pressure targets may need to be adjusted for older patients who are frail or dependent.
Sources:
This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day.
Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based information and is continuously updated (as of 05/2025).
Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care. Since 2015 she has led the editorial team at BloodPressureDB. With additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and training in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably reviewed information.
Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care. Since 2015 she has led the editorial team at BloodPressureDB. With additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and training in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably reviewed information.
