Normal Blood Pressure Range for a 14-Year-Old Boy
The normal blood pressure range for a 14-year-old boy is less than 120/80 mmHg, with the 50th percentile (median) value being approximately 118/73 mmHg. 1
Reference Values by Measurement Type
For clinical office measurements, normal blood pressure for adolescents ≥13 years of age is defined as less than 120/80 mmHg 1
For 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in 14-year-old boys:
Daytime blood pressure values for 14-year-old boys:
Nighttime blood pressure values for 14-year-old boys:
Blood Pressure Classification for Adolescents
- Normal: <120/80 mmHg 1
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg 1
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg 1
- Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥140/90 mmHg 1
Important Measurement Considerations
- Blood pressure should be measured using the appropriate size cuff with the adolescent seated and relaxed 1
- A diagnosis of hypertension requires elevated readings on three separate occasions 1
- White coat hypertension (elevated readings only in clinical settings) is common in adolescents and should be ruled out using ambulatory monitoring 1
Clinical Implications
- Blood pressure should be measured at each routine visit for adolescents 1
- Adolescents with blood pressure readings ≥120/80 mmHg should be monitored more closely 3
- A significant percentage of adolescent boys (52.2%) may have higher-than-optimal blood pressure values by adult criteria (≥120/80 mmHg) 4
- Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, weight management) are first-line interventions for elevated blood pressure 3
Common Pitfalls in Blood Pressure Assessment
- Using an inappropriately sized cuff can lead to inaccurate measurements 1
- Blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day, with lower readings typically occurring during sleep 1
- Multiple readings should be averaged for greater accuracy 3
- Height significantly affects blood pressure values, which is why height-specific percentiles are traditionally used 2