

To diagnose hypertension in teenagers, blood pressure has to be measured multiple times over a period of 2-4 weeks. For instance, at the age of 13, the highest normal blood pressure reading for boys in the 95 th percentile for height is less than 126 systolic over 79 diastolic whereas for girls of the same age in the 95 th percentile for height, it should be no higher than 124 systolic over 79 diastolic.ġ How High Blood Pressure Is Diagnosed in Teens? Those teens whose blood pressure lies above the 90 th percentile should talk to their physician about the frequency of blood pressure checkups.Ī table is published by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute that lists normal blood pressure for teens. Teens that have their blood pressure in the normal range should get their blood pressure checked yearly. 18 and 19 year olds should have a blood pressure reading of 120/80, which is also considered normal for an adult.īlood pressure reading of a teen between the 90 th percentile and the 95 th percentile is considered prehypertension or borderline and greater than 95 th percentile is considered high. A blood pressure reading higher than the 90 th percentile is considered out of the normal range. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.A blood pressure reading of 120/80 is considered normal for adults over the age of 18 years however, for those who are under the age of 18, normal blood pressure reading is based upon a percentile rating for the teen’s height, age and gender. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. It is normal for these numbers to vary.Ī.D.A.M., Inc. The average blood pressure in a child 1 month through 2 years old is 95/58. The average blood pressure in a newborn is 64/41. Inherited conditions (problems that run in families)īlood pressure rises as the baby grows.Exposure to illegal drugs such as cocaine.Other causes of high blood pressure in infants may include: In newborn babies, high blood pressure is often caused by a blood clot in a kidney blood vessel, a complication of having an umbilical artery catheter. Renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the major blood vessel of the kidney).Kidney disease involving the kidney tissue.Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (lung condition that affects newborn babies who were either put on a breathing machine after birth or were born very early).Patent ductus arteriosus (blood vessel between the aorta and pulmonary artery that should close after birth, but remains open).Coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of the large blood vessel of the heart called the aorta).High blood pressure in infants may be due to kidney or heart disease that is present at birth (congenital). The health of the heart and blood vessels.Several factors affect blood pressure, including: One or both of these numbers can be too high. The second (bottom) number is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest.īlood pressure measurements are written this way: 120/80.The first (top) number is the systolic blood pressure, which measures the force of blood released when the heart beats.There are two numbers in each blood pressure measurement: Blood pressure measures how hard the heart is working, and how healthy the arteries are.
