It is important to note that structural changes in large arteries observed in systolic hypertension are similar to those caused by ageing making it difficult to ascertain whether arterial changes are due to disease.

Average resting systolic blood pressure tended to be significantly higher for males in younger age groups (aged 20 to 49) but significantly lower for males in the oldest age group (aged 70 to 79) compared with females in those same age groups.

The average resting blood pressure for females aged 20 to 29 was 102/69 mmHg, compared with 126/70 mmHg for females aged 70 to 79. The average resting blood pressure for males aged 20 to 29 was 108/69 mmHg, compared with 124/72 mmHg for males aged 70 to 79. For both males and females, average resting blood pressure increased significantly with age (Chart 1). Results from the 2016-2019 Note Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) indicate that Canadian adults aged 20 to 79 had a measured average resting blood pressure of 114/72 mmHg. Source: Canadian Health Measures Survey, Cycle 5 (20) and Cycle 6 (20). This table displays the results of Chart 1 Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) in adults aged 20 to 79 Age group, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70 to 79, calculated using mmHg units of measure (appearing as column headers). Chart 1 Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) in adults aged 20 to 79, by sex and age group, household population, Canada, 2016-2019

Bp chart for seniors