Is a blood pressure reading of 110/70 normal for a 70-year-old person?
A 70-year-old individual with a blood pressure reading of 110mmHg systolic and 70mmHg diastolic typically falls within the normal range. The classification between normal blood pressure and hypertension lacks a definitive boundary, as the criteria for hypertension are artificially defined based on clinical and epidemiological data.
According to current classifications for adult blood pressure levels in China, normal blood pressure is considered as systolic pressure ≤120mmHg and diastolic pressure ≤80mmHg. Prehypertension ranges from systolic pressure of 120-139mmHg and diastolic pressure of 80-89mmHg. Thus, a 70-year-old with systolic pressure of 110mmHg and diastolic pressure of 70mmHg is within the normal range.
As individuals age, vascular elasticity decreases, leading to reduced sensitivity of baroreceptors and responsiveness of blood pressure-related receptors, along with diminished renal ability to maintain ionic balance. These changes contribute to a decline in neurohumoral regulation of blood pressure in the elderly, manifesting as increased volume load and peripheral vascular resistance. Objectively, this results in elevated systolic blood pressure, widened pulse pressure, and a blood pressure level that is prone to fluctuations due to various factors such as body position, meal intake, and temperature. The most common manifestations include orthostatic hypotension, postprandial hypotension, and abnormal circadian rhythms of blood pressure.
It is recommended that elderly individuals regularly monitor their blood pressure and promptly seek medical attention if readings exceed normal values to determine the necessity of treatment, thereby preventing potential damage to target organs.
