What Is the Average Blood Pressure of a Male?

While both men and women seek the same normal blood pressure reading of 120/80, variations can drive that number up or down naturally during everyday activities. There is no true average for males, as there are so many variables. Each sex tends to struggle with high blood pressure at different stages of adulthood.

Definition

• Blood pressure is the force of blood flow within the heart and blood vessels.

Interpretation

• According to the American Heart Association (AHA), blood pressure readings consist of two numbers. The higher number indicates the blood pressure during heart contraction, while the lower number indicates the blood pressure while the heart relaxes.

Average Blood Pressure

• There is no distinction between male and female readings; a reading of 120/80 is considered the "normal" number for a healthy adult. Blood pressure can range from 120/70 to 140/90 depending on physical stress or time of day.

High Blood Pressure

• According to the AHA, men run a greater risk for high blood pressure than women until middle age, when women become more likely than men to get the condition. Pregnant women also face increased risk of high blood pressure.

Controlling Blood Pressure

• The AHA recommends controlling such factors as weight, salt intake, alcohol consumption, smoking and stress to help maintain normal blood pressure.