Blood pressure is recorded in millimetres of mercury, written as mm Hg, and appears as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure is the top number. It measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts and pumps blood.
- Diastolic pressure is the bottom number. It measures the pressure in the arteries while the heart relaxes between beats.
A reading of 118/76 mm Hg means a systolic pressure of 118 and a diastolic pressure of 76. Either number can be important. Under the current Canadian adult definition, a repeated average at or above 130 systolic or 80 diastolic may indicate hypertension when readings are obtained correctly.
Does Normal Blood Pressure Change With Age?
Normal adult blood pressure does not have to rise with age. Blood vessels may become stiffer over time, and high blood pressure becomes more common as people get older. That describes increased risk, not a new healthy range.
This distinction matters because some age-based charts can make a potentially important reading look harmless. A clinician considers the average reading together with factors such as diabetes, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, medications, pregnancy, family history and overall cardiovascular risk.
Blood Pressure in Children and Teens
There is no single normal blood pressure number for every child. Healthy and high ranges depend on age, sex and height, and the numbers change as a child grows. Cuff size and cooperation during the measurement also affect accuracy.
If a child has an elevated reading, a clinician may repeat the measurement at another visit and determine whether further assessment is appropriate. North East Medical Clinic’s paediatric care services include age-appropriate assessment and follow-up based on clinical need and physician availability.
Blood Pressure in Adults Ages 18 to 64
For adults, below 120/80 mm Hg is the commonly used normal reference. A systolic reading from 120 to 129 with a diastolic reading below 80 is above the ideal range but remains below the current hypertension threshold.
Persistent readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher meet Hypertension Canada’s 2025 definition of hypertension when measurements are taken under optimal conditions.
This does not mean every adult with a reading of 130/80 needs medication. Hypertension Canada recommends healthy lifestyle changes for adults with hypertension. Medication decisions depend on the blood pressure level and cardiovascular risk. Medication is generally recommended at 140/90 mm Hg or higher and may be recommended at lower systolic readings for people at high cardiovascular risk.
A family doctor can review repeated readings and consider other risk factors. Learn more about the clinic’s family practice and primary care services in Northeast Calgary.
Blood Pressure in Adults 65 and Older
The healthy adult reference remains below 120/80 mm Hg after age 65. However, care often becomes more individualized.
Some older adults have several health conditions, take multiple medications or experience orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure after standing that can cause light-headedness and may increase fall risk.
For adults with diagnosed hypertension, the 2025 Canadian guideline generally recommends treatment to a systolic pressure below 130 mm Hg when treatment is tolerated. A higher individualized target may be appropriate when frailty, falls, orthostatic symptoms or a person’s goals of care make more intensive treatment less suitable.
North East Medical Clinic offers seniors’ health and geriatric care based on clinical assessment and physician availability.
What Is Considered Low Blood Pressure?
There is no single low blood pressure value that is unsafe for everyone. Some people naturally have lower readings and feel well.
The Government of Canada notes that a reading below 90/60 mm Hg may be considered too low when it occurs with symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, unusual thirst or difficulty concentrating.
Contact a health professional if low readings are new, frequent or accompanied by symptoms. Medication effects, dehydration, illness and other causes may need to be considered. Do not stop prescribed blood pressure medication without speaking with the prescriber.
How to Measure Blood Pressure Accurately at Home
Measurement technique can change the result by several points. Hypertension Canada notes that non-standardized office measurements may average 5 to 10 mm Hg higher than standardized readings.
For a more useful home record:
- Use a validated automatic upper-arm monitor and the correct cuff size.
- Avoid exercise, tobacco, nicotine and caffeine for at least 30 minutes before measuring.
- Empty your bladder if needed, then sit quietly for about five minutes.
- Sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor and legs uncrossed.
- Rest your bare arm on a table with the cuff at heart level.
- Stay still and do not talk, text, eat or watch television during the measurement.
- Take multiple readings at least one minute apart.
- Record the numbers, date, time and relevant symptoms.
- Bring your record and home monitor to your next appointment.
If your clinician requests a home blood pressure log, follow their recommended schedule. A common protocol involves taking two readings in the morning and two in the evening for seven days.
Do not change medication based on one home reading unless a health professional has provided a specific plan.
Why One Blood Pressure Reading May Be Different
Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day. A temporary difference may be related to:
- stress or anxiety;
- pain;
- recent physical activity;
- caffeine or nicotine;
- a full bladder;
- talking during the test;
- an incorrect cuff size; or
- unsupported posture.
Some people have higher readings in a medical setting but normal readings elsewhere. This is called white-coat hypertension.
Others have normal clinic readings but higher readings outside the clinic. This is called masked hypertension. Current Canadian guidance recommends out-of-office readings to help confirm hypertension when possible.
When Should You Speak With a Health Professional?
Arrange a non-emergency appointment if:
- your home readings are repeatedly at or above 130/80 mm Hg;
- your readings have changed from their usual pattern;
- low readings occur with dizziness or fainting; or
- you have questions about your treatment target.
A clinician can confirm your measurement technique, review the average and determine whether additional assessment is needed.
Blood pressure screening may be discussed during a primary care assessment or physical exam when clinically appropriate. For complex or difficult-to-control hypertension, a family physician may determine that a referral is appropriate. The clinic also provides internal medicine specialist services by referral and subject to specialist availability.
When Is a Blood Pressure Reading an Emergency?
Call 911 if a very high blood pressure reading occurs with possible signs of a stroke or heart attack, including:
- chest pressure or pain;
- shortness of breath;
- sudden weakness or numbness;
- facial drooping;
- difficulty speaking;
- confusion;
- a severe, sudden headache; or
- a sudden change in vision.
Do not drive yourself if emergency symptoms are present.
A very high reading without symptoms still requires prompt professional advice. Sit quietly, repeat the measurement correctly and contact a health professional or Health Link Alberta at 811 for guidance. Individual emergency instructions may differ during pregnancy or for certain medical conditions.
Ways to Support a Healthy Blood Pressure
Healthy habits can support blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health, although they do not replace an assessment or prescribed treatment.
Depending on your health needs, a clinician may discuss:
- eating a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains and minimally processed foods;
- reducing sodium, especially from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods;
- being physically active at a level appropriate for your health and abilities;
- avoiding tobacco and nicotine products;
- drinking less alcohol, if you drink;
- working toward a weight that supports your health, when relevant; and
- taking prescribed medication as directed.
Nutrition recommendations should account for kidney disease, diabetes, medications and individual needs. The clinic’s dietitian and nutrition counselling services may be available through referral or coordinated care, depending on patient needs and availability.
Get Your Blood Pressure Reviewed in Northeast Calgary
A single number cannot show the full picture. If your readings are repeatedly high, unusually low or different from their usual pattern, bring a home blood pressure log to a health professional for review.
North East Medical Clinic provides primary care and walk-in medical services for non-emergency concerns in Northeast Calgary, based on physician availability and clinical appropriateness.
Request an appointment or call (587) 393-6633 to confirm access.
This article provides general education and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is normal blood pressure for adults in Canada?
For most adults, blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal. The 2025 Hypertension Canada guideline defines adult hypertension as persistent blood pressure at or above 130/80 mm Hg when measured correctly with a validated device.
Is 130/80 normal for a 70-year-old in Canada?
A reading of 130/80 is not considered normal simply because a person is older. It meets the current adult hypertension threshold if it is persistent and measured under optimal conditions. A clinician should review repeated readings and the person’s overall health.
Is blood pressure supposed to increase with age?
Blood pressure commonly rises with age, but that does not create a higher normal adult range. Age increases cardiovascular risk and may influence how treatment is individualized.
What is normal blood pressure for a child?
There is no single normal value for every child. Paediatric blood pressure is interpreted using age, sex and height, with an appropriately sized cuff and repeated readings when needed.
Can one high reading mean I have hypertension?
Usually not. Stress, pain, caffeine, activity and measurement technique can temporarily raise a reading. Diagnosis generally relies on repeated, correctly taken measurements, often including home or ambulatory readings.
What blood pressure is too low?
Low blood pressure depends partly on symptoms and the person’s usual level. A reading below 90/60 mm Hg may be concerning when accompanied by dizziness, fainting, nausea, unusual thirst or difficulty concentrating.