Question 1

What is the normal tension at 60, 70 or 80 years old?

Accepted Answer

The hypertension threshold remains 140/90 mmHg in the office at any age. It is common for the systolic pressure to increase with age, but this does not make high blood pressure harmless. After 65 years of age, doctors often aim for a systolic pressure of 130 to 139 mmHg, with an individualized goal after 80 years of age.

Question 2

What does «having 14 tension» mean?

Accepted Answer

«14» corresponds to 140 mmHg systolic. In the clinic, 140/90 mmHg is the threshold from which hypertension is considered if the numbers are confirmed on repeated measurements. A single value is not enough to conclude.

Question 3

What difference is there between the tension in the office and at home?

Accepted Answer

The threshold for hypertension is 140/90 mmHg in the office, but 135/85 mmHg at home without a measuring device. The difference is explained by the white coat effect, the increase being related to the medical context.

Question 4

Does normal blood pressure really increase with age?

Accepted Answer

The average values of the population are rising, yes, due to arterial stiffness. But these are observed averages, not standards to aim for. The threshold that defines hypertension, on the other hand, does not change.

Question 5

How many times should you measure your blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

The reference method is two to three measurements in the morning and evening, for several days in a row, from which the average is calculated. This average has value, never an isolated measurement.

Blood pressure monitor

Normal tension: what values at what age?

Upper arm or wrist blood pressure monitor: which one to choose?