Normal Blood Pressure for Women Depending on Age

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries (vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of your body). Blood pressure is measured in two numbers. Systolic pressure (the top number), which reflects the force when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure (the bottom number), which shows the force when your heart rests between beats.

As your heart pumps, blood travels through a vast network of vessels that expand and contract to help maintain steady blood flow and pressure. Healthy blood pressure helps transport oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, ensuring organs, such as your heart, brain, and kidneys, function properly.

For women, factors like age, hormonal shifts, and lifestyle changes can all influence blood pressure at different stages of life.

A normal blood pressure reading for adult women is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Blood pressure tends to increase gradually as you age because blood vessels become stiffer and less flexible, making it harder for blood to flow smoothly. This can lead to higher blood pressure, also known as hypertension.

Normal blood pressure levels in females by age are within these ranges:

• Age 21-35: 110-116 / 70-73 mmHg 
• Age 36-45: 112-117 / 73-75 mmHg
• Age 46-55: 122-124 / 74-79 mmHg
• Age 56-65: 130-133 / 77-79 mmHg

Although there are some expected blood pressure changes with age, healthcare providers use cutoffs to diagnose high blood pressure in all ages. Systolic blood pressure above 120 is considered elevated. A blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered hypertension.

Several factors can affect a woman’s blood pressure. Some are within your control, while others are not. 

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can influence blood pressure readings. Some women may experience blood pressure changes throughout their menstrual cycle or when taking hormonal birth control (e.g., birth control pills). 

During pregnancy, women usually experience temporary decreases in blood pressure in the first and second trimesters, which return to pre-pregnancy levels in the third trimester. About 5-10% of pregnant women develop hypertensive disorders, such as preeclampsia, which can have long-term effects on cardiovascular health.

Menopause causes a drop in estrogen levels, a hormone that helps keep blood vessels relaxed and elastic. As estrogen levels decline, blood vessels become stiffer, and the risk of developing high blood pressure increases. 

Diet and Exercise

What you eat and how active you are can affect blood pressure. A diet high in salt, sugar, saturated fat, or processed foods can lead to a gradual increase in blood pressure over time. Eating more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean protein, supports heart health.

Regular exercise helps your heart pump more efficiently, which can help maintain healthy blood pressure. Each week, aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, cycling, or running.

Stress

When stressed, the body releases hormones that temporarily increase blood pressure. If stress becomes a regular part of life and you don’t have ways to manage it, this temporary rise can become a long-term (chronic) problem.

While the link between chronic stress and high blood pressure isn’t fully understood, research shows that long-term stress can lead to behaviors like poor eating habits or increased alcohol use that raise your risk. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, physical activity, or spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress and support healthy blood pressure.

Body Weight

Excess body weight puts added strain on your heart and blood vessels. People who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop high blood pressure and other chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, which can also affect blood pressure. Losing 5-10% of your body weight can improve blood pressure and overall health.

Family History

Your genes play a role in high blood pressure risk. If your parents, grandparents, or other close family members have high blood pressure, you may be more likely to develop the condition. Some genetic traits can make people more sensitive to sodium (salt), causing their blood pressure to rise more easily when they consume a high-sodium diet.

While you can’t change your genetics, knowing your family health history lets you be proactive. Monitoring blood pressure regularly and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent or manage high blood pressure before it becomes a serious issue.

Age

Blood pressure tends to increase with age. As you get older, your arteries naturally become stiffer and less flexible, which can increase systolic blood pressure. Hormonal changes, such as the drop in estrogen during menopause, increase the risk of high blood pressure in women.

Men are more likely than women to develop high blood pressure before age 65. After age 65, however, women become more likely than men to have high blood pressure.

Race 

In the United States, Black adults are more likely than people of other racial or ethnic groups to develop high blood pressure, often at a younger age and with a higher risk of severe complications like stroke and heart disease. 

Research suggests a mix of factors contributes to these differences, including social and economic stressors, access to healthcare, and the impact of systemic racism. Some racial and ethnic minority groups may be more sensitive to dietary salt and have different responses to certain blood pressure medications.

Abnormal blood pressure means the readings are either too high (hypertension) or too low (hypotension). 

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Risks 

High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls remains too high for an extended period. A reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered high. According to the American Heart Association, about 50% of adult women have high blood pressure, but nearly three out of four don’t have it under control. 

Hypertension is a “silent” condition because it typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms until damage has already occurred to the heart, arteries, kidneys, or other internal organs. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Heart failure 
• Aneurysm (a bulge in a weakened blood vessel) 
• Chronic kidney disease 
• Vision loss 
• Atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) 
• Vascular dementia (memory loss due to reduced blood flow to the brain)

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Risks

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, occurs when blood flows through your arteries at a pressure lower than normal. For most adults, hypotension is a reading lower than 90/60 mmHg. While some people naturally have low blood pressure without symptoms, others may experience symptoms such as:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Fatigue 
• Weakness
• Blurry vision
• Headache
• Back or neck pain 
• Nausea
• Heart palpitations 

Sudden drops in blood pressure can lead to serious health concerns. When blood pressure is too low, it can prevent the brain, heart, and other vital organs from receiving sufficient oxygen and nutrients. In more severe cases, low blood pressure can lead to shock, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Checking your blood pressure is important if you’re at risk for or have high blood pressure. Since high blood pressure often causes no symptoms, a blood pressure reading is the only way to know if you have it. Many pharmacies offer free checks, or you can use a home blood pressure monitor.

Your healthcare provider can help you determine how often to check your blood pressure, considering your diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment plan. To get the most accurate reading, follow these tips:

• Avoid eating, drinking caffeine, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before measuring
• Empty your bladder before measuring
• Sit in a chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor for at least five minutes before checking
• Keep your arm resting at heart level on a flat surface
• Stay still and do not talk during the measurement
• Take readings at the same time each day
• Take two readings, at least one minute apart, and write down your numbers

Certain lifestyle habits can help support overall health and keep blood pressure within a normal range, such as:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and limit sodium (salt) intake
• Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week
• Maintain a healthy weight, as determined by you and your healthcare provider
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Manage stress through mindfulness, yoga, or deep breathing
• Take medications as prescribed
• Get good quality sleep 

While checking blood pressure at home is helpful, it is essential to follow up with a healthcare provider if your readings are consistently too high or too low. Seek medical attention right away if you experience:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache
• Dizziness or fainting
• Vision changes
• Numbness or weakness
• Vomiting
• Back pain 

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as your heart pumps. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg and higher than 90/60 mmHg. Women may experience fluctuations in blood pressure across various life stages due to aging, hormonal shifts, and other factors.

While your numbers may change throughout the day, consistently high or low readings can lead to serious health problems. To manage your blood pressure and protect your heart health, monitor your blood pressure regularly, follow a heart-healthy lifestyle, and stay in touch with your healthcare provider.