Systolic Blood Pressure
Page updated: Evidence reviewed: What this means
Systolic blood pressure is the upper number in a blood-pressure reading. These published percentiles come from Wright et al. 2011, using 19,921 adults aged 18 and older examined in NHANES 2001-2008. The table uses the report's original 18-39, 40-59, and 60+ groups and the total-population columns, which include adults with normal blood pressure as well as treated and untreated hypertension.
These survey-weighted US population percentiles describe where a measurement falls in that historical distribution. They do not indicate whether the value is clinically recommended. Clinical categories and treatment decisions use repeated, correctly measured readings and individual context; consult the current 2025 AHA/ACC guideline or 2024 ESC guideline rather than inferring a category from a percentile. Read more on Wikipedia
How to Perform This Test (Protocol)
- Equipment
-
- Validated upper-arm blood-pressure monitor
- Correctly sized cuff
- Chair and supported surface for the arm
- Protocol Steps
-
- For a current standardized measurement, avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for 30 minutes and empty your bladder first.
- Sit quietly for 3 to 5 minutes with back supported, feet flat and uncrossed, and the bare arm supported at heart level.
- Place the correctly sized cuff on the upper arm and do not talk during rest or measurement.
- Take at least 2 readings 1 minute apart.
- Scoring
Record systolic pressure, the upper number, in mmHg and average the repeated readings according to the measurement protocol being used.
- Notes
The historical NHANES source used a physician examination and the mean of up to 3 readings. The current procedure above follows later standardized guidance. Do not treat one reading or its percentile as a diagnosis.
Data source: Wright et al. - NHANES blood pressure percentiles About this study
Reference population: US adults aged 18 and over, nationally representative (NHANES 2001-2008)
Systolic Blood Pressure Norms Chart by Age and Sex (mmHg)
| Age | Sex | Percentile | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 95th | ||
| 18-39 | Male | 101 | 111 | 117 | 125 | 138 |
| Female | 94 | 103 | 109 | 116 | 128 | |
| 40-59 | Male | 103 | 114 | 122 | 132 | 151 |
| Female | 97 | 109 | 119 | 131 | 153 | |
| 60+ | Male | 103 | 119 | 131 | 144 | 169 |
| Female | 107 | 122 | 135 | 151 | 181 | |
What to expect by age group
Among adults aged 18 to 39, the middle 50% measure 111 to 125 mmHg for men and 103 to 116 mmHg for women. The published medians are higher in each successive source age group. These are population percentiles for all adults in the NHANES sample, including normotensive, treated, and untreated participants; they are not treatment targets or clinical blood-pressure categories.
| Age | Males | Females |
|---|---|---|
| 18-39 | 111 to 125 | 103 to 116 |
| 40-59 | 114 to 132 | 109 to 131 |
| 60+ | 119 to 144 | 122 to 151 |
Detailed Breakdowns
Select an age group and sex below for detailed percentile charts and distribution labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is systolic blood pressure?
Systolic blood pressure is the 'upper number' in a blood pressure reading. It measures the peak pressure in your arteries during each heartbeat, when the heart muscle contracts (systole) and pumps blood into the aorta.
Where can I find current blood-pressure categories?
Use the official 2025 AHA/ACC guideline or 2024 ESC guideline. They do not use identical categories, and a population percentile is not a substitute. Current AHA guidance says systolic pressure above 180 and/or diastolic pressure above 120 with warning symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, vision change, or difficulty speaking requires emergency services; without those symptoms, repeat the measurement after at least 1 minute and contact a healthcare professional promptly.
How does systolic blood pressure vary across these age groups?
In this NHANES table, the median is higher in each successive age group: 117, 122, and 131 mmHg for men and 109, 119, and 135 mmHg for women. The broad 60+ group combines all older adults and does not show variation within later life.
How was blood pressure measured in this study?
Physicians measured blood pressure during a standardized NHANES examination and the report used the mean of up to three readings. The report states that the protocol followed contemporary American Heart Association recommendations. See the methodology page for what is known from the published report. The current procedure below follows the 2019 AHA measurement statement.
Why might these percentiles not apply outside the US?
This is a nationally representative US survey from 2001-2008. Blood-pressure distributions and treatment patterns differ across countries and over time, so the percentiles should not be assumed to represent a current non-US population.