Is 113/70 Good Blood Pressure? Understanding Your Reading
Yes, 113/70 is considered normal and healthy blood pressure. With a systolic pressure of 113 mmHg and a diastolic pressure of 70 mmHg, this reading falls within the normal range (below 120/80 mmHg) according to the American Heart Association and other medical authorities.
Understanding Blood Pressure Reading 113/70
To understand why 113/70 is considered a good blood pressure reading, it's important to know what these numbers represent and how they compare to established guidelines.
What Do the Numbers 113 and 70 Mean?
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (113 mmHg): The top number represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (contracts). This is when the pressure is highest.
- Diastolic pressure (70 mmHg): The bottom number represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. This is when the pressure is lowest.
Both numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), which is the standard unit for blood pressure.
Blood Pressure Category Calculator
Enter your blood pressure reading to see which category it falls into:
Blood Pressure Categories: Where Does 113/70 Fit?
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and other health authorities, blood pressure is categorized as follows:
| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) | Below 90 | Below 60 |
| Normal Blood Pressure | Less than 120 | Less than 80 |
| Elevated Blood Pressure | 120-129 | Less than 80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130-139 | or 80-89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 140 or higher | or 90 or higher |
| Hypertensive Crisis | Higher than 180 | and/or Higher than 120 |
With a reading of 113/70, your blood pressure falls well within the Normal Blood Pressure category. This is considered optimal for cardiovascular health and indicates a healthy circulatory system.
Is 113/70 Too Low?
Some people might wonder if a blood pressure of 113/70 is too low, especially if they're used to higher readings. However, 113/70 is not considered low blood pressure (hypotension).
Low blood pressure is generally defined as a reading below 90/60 mmHg. Since your reading is 113/70, it's well above this threshold. Low blood pressure is typically only a concern if it causes symptoms such as:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting (syncope)
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
If you have a reading of 113/70 and feel well, there's no reason to be concerned about your blood pressure being too low.
Benefits of Maintaining Blood Pressure Around 113/70
Maintaining your blood pressure at or near 113/70 offers numerous health benefits:
Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
Normal blood pressure reduces strain on your heart and arteries, lowering the risk of developing coronary artery disease and heart failure.
Lower Stroke Risk
Healthy blood pressure significantly reduces your risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
Kidney Protection
Normal blood pressure helps maintain kidney function and reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease.
Cognitive Benefits
Maintaining healthy blood pressure is associated with better cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia as you age.
Better Vision
Healthy blood pressure reduces the risk of hypertensive retinopathy and other vision problems.
Longer Life Expectancy
Overall, maintaining normal blood pressure is associated with increased longevity and healthier aging.
Factors That Influence Blood Pressure
Blood pressure readings can vary based on numerous factors. If you currently have a reading of 113/70, it's good to understand what influences these numbers:
Lifestyle Factors
- Diet: High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, while diets rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium can help maintain healthy levels.
- Physical activity: Regular exercise helps maintain healthy blood pressure like 113/70.
- Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for blood pressure control.
- Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure.
- Tobacco use: Smoking and smokeless tobacco products can cause immediate spikes in blood pressure.
- Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure.
Non-Modifiable Factors
- Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age due to stiffening of arteries.
- Genetics: Family history plays a role in blood pressure tendencies.
- Gender: Men are generally more likely to develop high blood pressure at younger ages, while women's risk increases after menopause.
- Race and ethnicity: Some demographic groups have higher rates of hypertension.
Medical Conditions
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Adrenal gland disorders
If your blood pressure is currently 113/70, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help keep it in this optimal range.
How to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure Like 113/70
If you currently have a blood pressure reading of 113/70 and want to maintain this healthy level, consider these strategies:
Follow the DASH Diet
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet emphasizes:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Low-fat dairy products
- Limited sodium, sugars, and unhealthy fats
Regular Physical Activity
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as:
- Brisk walking
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Strength training
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Even a small weight reduction can help maintain healthy blood pressure.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
If you drink, do so in moderation:
- Up to one drink per day for women
- Up to two drinks per day for men
Manage Stress
Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as:
- Meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Yoga
- Adequate sleep
Regular Monitoring
Check your blood pressure regularly, especially if you:
- Have a family history of hypertension
- Have other cardiovascular risk factors
- Are over 40 years old
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While 113/70 is a healthy blood pressure reading, certain situations warrant a consultation with a healthcare provider:
- If you notice significant changes in your blood pressure, even if it remains within normal range
- If you experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or visual changes along with your blood pressure readings
- If you have other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease
- If you're taking medications that may affect your blood pressure
- For regular check-ups as recommended by your healthcare provider
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific medical conditions and before making any changes to your health regimen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 113/70 good blood pressure for all ages?
Yes, a blood pressure reading of 113/70 is generally considered healthy across all age groups. While normal blood pressure can vary slightly with age, 113/70 falls within the healthy range (below 120/80) for adults of all ages. Even for older adults, where slight elevations in systolic pressure are sometimes considered normal, 113/70 remains an ideal reading.
Can 113/70 be too low for some people?
For the vast majority of people, 113/70 is not too low. However, if a person is accustomed to significantly higher blood pressure and experiences symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or fainting when their pressure drops to 113/70, they should consult a healthcare provider. This is relatively rare and typically occurs in people who have had long-standing, uncontrolled hypertension whose bodies have adapted to higher pressures.
How does blood pressure of 113/70 compare to the "ideal" blood pressure?
A blood pressure of 113/70 is very close to what many cardiologists consider "ideal." The American Heart Association suggests that below 120/80 is normal, with optimal being around 115/75. With 113/70, both your systolic and diastolic readings are in this optimal range, indicating excellent cardiovascular health.
Should I be concerned if my blood pressure fluctuates around 113/70?
Small fluctuations around 113/70 are completely normal. Blood pressure naturally varies throughout the day based on activity, stress levels, hydration, and many other factors. As long as your readings generally hover within the normal range (below 120/80), these variations are not concerning. However, if you experience dramatic swings in blood pressure, consult with a healthcare provider.
Can medications lower my blood pressure below 113/70?
Yes, blood pressure medications can sometimes lower blood pressure below 113/70. If you're taking medication for hypertension and your readings consistently fall significantly below 113/70, especially if you experience symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, consult with your healthcare provider. They may need to adjust your medication dosage to prevent hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure).