From the Guidelines
The normal blood pressure range for a 65-year-old male is generally considered to be below 140/80 mmHg, with a systolic pressure target of 130-139 mmHg and a diastolic pressure target of less than 80 mmHg, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This means that for a 65-year-old male, the systolic pressure (the top number) should be between 130-139 mmHg and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number) should be less than 80 mmHg.
- Blood pressure tends to increase with age due to natural stiffening of blood vessels, so older adults often have slightly higher readings than younger people.
- Regular monitoring is important, ideally using a home blood pressure monitor in addition to clinical measurements.
- Blood pressure should be measured while seated quietly for at least 5 minutes, with the arm supported at heart level.
- Multiple readings should be taken (at least 2-3) with a minute between each reading, and the average calculated. If blood pressure consistently exceeds these targets, lifestyle modifications like reducing sodium intake, regular exercise, maintaining healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and avoiding tobacco are recommended 1.
- If these measures are insufficient, medication may be necessary, with a focus on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications associated with hypertension. Hypertension is particularly important to manage in older adults as it significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and cognitive decline, and the most recent guidelines emphasize the importance of individualizing treatment targets based on factors such as age, frailty, and cardiovascular risk 1.
From the Research
Normal Blood Pressure Range for a 65-Year-Old Male
The normal blood pressure range for a 65-year-old male is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies provide information on the treatment of hypertension and the effects of different antihypertensive drugs on blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Targets
- According to 2, intensive pharmacologic treatment with blood pressure lowering to less than 130/85 mm Hg is recommended for patients with diabetes, renal insufficiency, and heart failure.
- For patients with renal failure and proteinuria greater than 1 g/24 h, the target blood pressure is less than 125/75 mm Hg 2.
- A study published in 3 found that the target systolic blood pressure (<140 mm Hg) was reached in only 6% to 15% of patients on monotherapy.
Effects of Antihypertensive Drugs on Blood Pressure
- Diuretics and calcium-blocking drugs were found to be more effective in lowering systolic blood pressure in elderly patients compared to beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors 3.
- The combination of lisinopril, losartan, or valsartan with hydrochlorothiazide, with or without amlodipine, was found to be effective in reducing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension 4.
- The addition of a thiazide diuretic (bendrofluazide) was found to be more effective in lowering blood pressure compared to a beta-blocker (atenolol) in patients not controlled on amlodipine and lisinopril 5.
Conclusion on Normal Range
While the studies do not provide a specific normal blood pressure range for a 65-year-old male, they suggest that a blood pressure of less than 130/85 mm Hg is a reasonable target for patients with hypertension, particularly those with diabetes, renal insufficiency, and heart failure 2. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate blood pressure target for an individual patient.