Systolic Blood Pressure

Systolic blood pressure is the 'upper number', the peak pressure in your arteries when the heart contracts. Data are from NHANES 2001-2008 (n=19,921), a nationally representative survey of US adults. Age-standardized mean systolic BP in the US is above the global median (NCD-RisC, Lancet 2021), so upper percentiles may not generalize to all populations.

These percentiles show where a reading sits in the population; they are not a clinical classification. Blood pressure is clinically interpreted using published guideline categories, which differ between the ACC/AHA 2017 and 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines, and is based on repeated measurements and individual context. Interpret an individual reading with a qualified clinician. Read more on Wikipedia

How to Perform This Test (Protocol)

Equipment
  • Calibrated sphygmomanometer or validated automated BP monitor
  • Appropriately sized cuff
Protocol Steps
  1. Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring, back supported, feet flat on the floor.
  2. Place the cuff on the upper arm, at heart level.
  3. Do not talk during the measurement.
  4. Take 2-3 readings spaced at least 1 minute apart.
Scoring

Record systolic pressure (the higher number) in mmHg. Average the readings taken (NHANES averaged up to 3 consecutive readings, follow the protocol of your measurement setting).

Notes

Avoid caffeine, exercise, and smoking for 30 minutes before measuring. White-coat anxiety can raise readings; home measurement often gives lower values than clinic readings.

Data source: Wright et al. - NHANES Blood Pressure (NCHS Report #035) (2011) · n=19.9K About this study

Reference population: US adults aged 18 and over, nationally representative (NHANES 2001-2008)

Systolic Blood Pressure Cardiovascular

Systolic Blood Pressure Norms Chart by Age and Sex (mmHg)

Age Sex Percentile
5th 25th 50th 75th 95th
20-29 Male 100 110 118 126 140
Female 90 102 110 118 134
30-39 Male 102 112 120 128 144
Female 92 104 112 120 138
40-49 Male 104 114 122 132 150
Female 96 108 116 126 146
50-59 Male 106 118 126 138 158
Female 100 114 124 136 158
60-69 Male 108 120 130 142 164
Female 104 118 130 142 166
70-79 Male 110 122 134 148 170
Female 108 122 134 148 172
80+ Male 112 124 136 150 174
Female 110 124 138 152 176

What to expect by age group

Among adults in their 30s, the middle 50% measure 112 to 128 mmHg for men and 104 to 120 mmHg for women. Systolic blood pressure increases with each decade; men start higher but women catch up around age 50 to 60 so that by the 70s to 80s, values are similar across sexes. These are population percentiles, not clinical categories; blood pressure is interpreted using published guideline thresholds and a clinician's assessment.

Typical range (25th to 75th percentile) by age group (mmHg)
Age MalesFemales
20-29 110 to 126102 to 118
30-39 112 to 128104 to 120
40-49 114 to 132108 to 126
50-59 118 to 138114 to 136
60-69 120 to 142118 to 142
70-79 122 to 148122 to 148
80+ 124 to 150124 to 152

Detailed Breakdowns

Select an age group and sex below for detailed percentile charts and distribution labels.

Males
20-2930-3940-4950-5960-6970-7980+
Females
20-2930-3940-4950-5960-6970-7980+
Age trend (percentiles)

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.

What are the AHA blood pressure categories?

Blood pressure categories are defined by clinical guidelines, not by population percentiles, and the major guidelines differ: see the ACC/AHA 2017 and 2018 ESC/ESH guidelines for the official thresholds. A person's category follows whichever component, systolic or diastolic, falls in the higher guideline category (so isolated systolic or isolated diastolic elevation still counts), normally confirmed across repeated measurements. Separately, a systolic reading above 180 mmHg or a diastolic reading above 120 mmHg can signal a hypertensive crisis that may need immediate medical attention, not a repeat visit. We report where a value sits in the population, not a clinical category; interpret an individual reading with a qualified clinician.

Why does systolic blood pressure increase with age?

Systolic blood pressure rises with age as arteries progressively stiffen, a pattern seen across all large population studies. In these NHANES tables, median SBP rises from around 120 mmHg at age 20-29 to around 130-135 mmHg by age 60-69 in both sexes.

How was blood pressure measured in this study?

NHANES examiners followed a standardized protocol: participants sat quietly for 5 minutes, then up to 3 consecutive readings were taken with a mercury sphygmomanometer. The readings were averaged. This protocol tends to produce slightly lower values than a single office reading, since the resting period and averaging reduce the effect of white-coat anxiety.

Why might these percentiles not apply outside the US?

This data comes from NHANES, a US-only survey. Age-standardized mean systolic BP and hypertension prevalence vary substantially across countries, for example, East Asian and sub-Saharan African populations show different distributions than the US (NCD-RisC, Lancet 2021). The upper percentiles in particular may be higher here than in populations with lower average BP.

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