What should be considered a normal pulse for an average sized 37 year old patient in good health?
|
Blood pressure (BP) measures the force pressed against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body. Show
Average blood pressure differs by sex and tends to rise with age. It's important to know how blood pressure affects your health. This article covers how healthcare providers differentiate between "normal" blood pressure and hypertension (high blood pressure) and includes blood pressure charts by age and gender. It will also discuss the health risks involved with hypertension, how you can monitor your blood pressure, and when you should call your healthcare provider.
 What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?Blood pressure readings are composed of two numbers—for example, 120/80 mm Hg. Both numbers are an important part of your blood pressure reading. The top number (systolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic pressure) measures the pressure in your arteries between each heart beat. The standard unit of measure, mm Hg, stands for "millimeters of mercury." Mercury pressure gauges have been replaced with electronic pressure gauges, but the abbreviation is still used. Normal Blood Pressure for ChildrenNormal BP ranges vary in children by age. The University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital provides this blood pressure chart:
What is considered healthy for your child also varies by height, age, and sex. You can use Baylor College of Medicine's calculator to see if your child’s blood pressure reading is in a healthy range. Normal Blood Pressure for AdultsAccording to the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure for adults (ages 20 and older) is less than 120/80 mm Hg. On the other hand, hypertension is defined as having a systolic pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher, most of the time. As you get older, your blood vessels tend to become stiffer and plaque (a fatty material) can build up in them, which can raise your blood pressure. If your blood pressure becomes too high, you're at a greater risk for heart disease, strokes, and more. In 2015, the average blood pressure worldwide was 127/79 mm Hg in men, and 122/77 mm Hg in women, according to a study analysis published in Lancet. When researchers for the National Center for Health Statistics looked at average blood pressure in U.S. adults between 2001 and 2008, the average reading was 122/71 mm Hg. The breakout was 124/72 mm Hg for men, and 121/70 mm Hg in women. It rose by age and was significantly higher in Black people. The researchers found the following breakdown by age, sex, and race or ethnicity:
High Blood PressureAs the population ages and life expectancy increases, high blood pressure is becoming more common. PrevalenceIn 1972, the National High Blood Pressure Education Program was launched by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The program educated more people about high blood pressure. As more people became aware of their high blood pressure and took medicine for it, the rate of high blood pressure declined. In fact, the percentage of people with high blood pressure decreased from 47% in the 1999–2000 period to 42% in 2013–2014. However, the percentage rose again to 45% in 2017–2018. One study found that in 2017-2018, only 58% of adults under the age of 40 were aware they had high blood pressure. As of 2018, 45% of U.S. adults had high blood pressure, including 51% of men and 40% of women. That included 22% of adults aged 18 to 39, 55% of adults aged 40 to 59, and 75% of those aged 60 and over. RecapNormal blood pressure for an adult is 120 over 80, but it is lower for children and adolescents. In 2018, almost half of all adults in the U.S. (45%) had blood pressure above normal levels. More men than women, and more Black and Latinx than White people have high blood pressure. Risk FactorsThere are several risk factors for hypertension, including:
Blood Pressure StagesHigh blood pressure for adults is divided into stages. At each stage, there is a greater risk to your health. A hypertensive crisis, which is measured at 180/120, is a sharp increase of blood pressure that may cause a stroke.
Risks and TreatmentsA consistent rise in your blood pressure over time comes with an increased risk to your health. Your healthcare provider is likely to respond in these ways:
Hypertension Healthcare Provider Discussion GuideGet our printable guide for your next healthcare provider's appointment to help you ask the right questions. Download PDF Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. When to Call Your Healthcare ProviderA hypertensive crisis—defined as blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hg—requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you are also experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, a change in vision, weakness, or numbness. RecapThere are several different stages of high blood pressure. As blood pressure rises, the negative impact on your health increases, too. A healthcare provider can recommend treatment for each stage, starting with diet and lifestyle changes and leading to medication options. How Blood Pressure Is MeasuredBlood pressure testing stations can be found in pharmacies, workplaces, and medical clinics. You can also buy a blood pressure monitor online or at your local pharmacy. To measure blood pressure, a cuff attached to a monitor is placed on your arm. The cuff is then inflated with an air pump until its pressure stops blood flow from your brachial artery—the major artery found in your upper arm. As the cuff deflates, the device measures the pressure when blood starts flowing again (systolic pressure). Once the cuff is completely deflated, the device gauges the lowest pressure between beats (diastolic pressure). Typically, more attention is given to the systolic pressure reading, as systolic blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease in people over the age of 50. Still, both readings are used to make a diagnosis. How to Take Your Blood PressureIf you're taking your blood pressure at home, there are certain steps you can take to get the most accurate reading possible. Getting StartedThe goal is to measure your blood pressure at its most stable. Hence, it's good practice to rest for five minutes in a calm environment before getting started. The AHA also advises against smoking, exercising, or drinking caffeinated beverages within 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. Proper Cuff SizeHealthcare providers often keep one default cuff in the examining room, which is generally meant to be used for people of "average" height and weight. If you are larger or smaller than average, the default cuff will not produce an accurate reading, and a more appropriately sized cuff should be used. Official guidelines specify the following cuff sizes:
Proper PositioningFind someplace to sit where your body is well-supported in an upright position and your feet are flat on the ground. Consider sitting at a dinner table, rather than a couch, and relaxing your arm on the tabletop. The cuffed part of your arm should be supported at the same level as your heart. The bottom of the cuff should be placed just above the bend of your elbow and directly against your skin. Be sure to roll up your sleeves if you are wearing them, and remove any layers that are in the way. Take Multiple ReadingsOne blood pressure reading is not enough to get an accurate measurement. Things like temperature and stress can change blood pressure, so more than one reading allows you to correct for these variations. More than one reading should be taken during healthcare provider's visits, too—ideally once at the beginning of your visit and once at the end. Choosing a Blood Pressure MonitorIf you're planning to take your blood pressure at home, it's important to have a reliable blood pressure monitor. The AHA recommends an automatic, cuff-style, bicep (upper-arm) monitor, but there are other options. When selecting a blood pressure monitor, consider the following:
SummaryBlood pressure increases with age, but exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking can help lower your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure). Seeing your healthcare provider for regular blood pressure checks and learning to check your own can help you stay healthy. A Word From VerywellIt’s good to know where you fall in terms of average blood pressure for your age, but even better to know how your readings compare to normal blood pressure. If you are above normal, now is the time to connect with your healthcare provider. Follow their guidance to keep your blood pressure under control. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal pulse for a 37 year old?The normal resting heart rate for adults over the age of 10 years, including older adults, is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). Highly trained athletes may have a resting heart rate below 60 bpm, sometimes reaching 40 bpm.
What is the normal pulse rate for a healthy patient?The normal pulse for healthy adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. The pulse rate may fluctuate and increase with exercise, illness, injury, and emotions.
What is the normal range for pulse according to age?Toddler (1 to 3 years): 98 - 140 bpm*. Preschool (3 to 5 years): 80 - 120 bpm. School-age (5 to 12 years): 75 - 118 bpm. Adolescents (13 to 18 years): 60 - 100 bpm.
What does 37 pulse rate mean?In general, for adults, a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute (BPM) qualifies as bradycardia. But there are exceptions. Your heart rate may fall below 60 BPM during deep sleep. And physically active adults (and athletes) often have a resting heart rate slower than 60 BPM.
|
