Understanding Blood Pressure: 127/86 at 59 - What's Normal?

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The first number, called the systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, called the diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

The average blood pressure for a healthy adult is 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered to be high if it is consistently 140/90 mm Hg or higher.

Blood pressure can increase with age, but a blood pressure of 127/86 mm Hg is not considered to be high for a 59-year-old. This blood pressure is considered to be normal.