Is 113/80 Good Blood Pressure?
Yes, 113/80 is generally considered normal blood pressure. The systolic reading (113) is below 120, which is ideal. The diastolic reading (80) is at the upper limit of the normal range but still considered normal according to most medical guidelines.
Understanding Blood Pressure Reading 113/80
To fully understand the significance of a 113/80 blood pressure reading, let's break down what these numbers represent and where they fall within established guidelines.
What Do the Numbers 113 and 80 Mean?
Blood pressure is always expressed as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (113 mmHg): The top number represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood. This is when the pressure is at its highest.
- Diastolic pressure (80 mmHg): The bottom number represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. This is when the pressure is at its lowest.
Both values are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Is 113/80 Within Normal Range?
According to current guidelines from major health organizations:
- Your systolic pressure of 113 mmHg is well within the normal range (below 120 mmHg).
- Your diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg is at the upper boundary of what's considered normal (below 80 mmHg).
While your diastolic pressure is right at the threshold between normal and elevated, the overall reading of 113/80 is still classified as normal blood pressure by most medical standards.
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Blood Pressure Categories: Where Does 113/80 Fit?
To understand how 113/80 compares to established guidelines, let's look at how blood pressure is categorized according to major health organizations:
| 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 113/80, your blood pressure falls within the Normal Blood Pressure category, though the diastolic reading is at the upper threshold. This is still considered normal and healthy for most adults.
A Note About the Diastolic Reading of 80
Your diastolic reading of 80 mmHg is at the upper limit of what's considered normal. In some guidelines, particularly those from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association updated in 2017, a diastolic reading of 80-89 mmHg could place you in the "Hypertension Stage 1" category, especially if combined with a systolic reading of 130 or higher.
However, since your systolic reading is only 113 mmHg (well below the 130 mmHg threshold), your overall blood pressure of 113/80 is generally classified as normal. Nevertheless, it may be worth monitoring your diastolic pressure to ensure it doesn't increase further.
Comparing 113/80 with Ideal Blood Pressure
Many cardiologists and health experts suggest that the ideal blood pressure is around 115/75 mmHg. Your reading of 113/80 compares favorably in terms of the systolic value (113 vs. ideal 115) but is slightly elevated in the diastolic value (80 vs. ideal 75).
Here's how your reading compares to various benchmarks:
| Blood Pressure Benchmark | Systolic/Diastolic (mmHg) | How 113/80 Compares |
|---|---|---|
| "Textbook" Normal | 120/80 | Your systolic is lower (better), diastolic same |
| Ideal (According to many cardiologists) | 115/75 | Your systolic is lower (better), diastolic higher |
| Average Adult (US) | 124/77 | Your systolic is lower (better), diastolic higher |
| Athletic Adult | 110/70 | Your systolic is slightly higher, diastolic higher |
This comparison shows that your systolic pressure of 113 mmHg is excellent, while your diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg is at the upper end of normal but still acceptable.
Is a Diastolic Pressure of 80 mmHg Concerning?
A diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg by itself is not necessarily concerning. It is at the threshold between normal and elevated, but a single reading at this level does not indicate a health problem. Here's what you should know:
Why Diastolic Pressure Matters
Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. Elevated diastolic pressure over time can indicate:
- Increased peripheral resistance in the smaller blood vessels
- Potential for arterial stiffness
- Increased workload on the heart over time
When to Monitor More Closely
Consider more regular monitoring if:
- You consistently have diastolic readings of 80 mmHg or above
- Your diastolic pressure has been increasing over time
- You have other cardiovascular risk factors
- You have a family history of hypertension
Factors That Can Temporarily Elevate Diastolic Pressure
A single reading of 80 mmHg might be influenced by:
- Recent physical activity
- Stress or anxiety during measurement
- Caffeine or nicotine consumption
- Full bladder
- Incorrect measurement technique (arm position, cuff size, etc.)
Health Implications of 113/80 Blood Pressure
A blood pressure reading of 113/80 is associated with several health benefits and considerations:
Positive Health Associations
- Lower Cardiovascular Risk: Your systolic pressure of 113 mmHg is associated with lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure compared to elevated readings.
- Reduced Kidney Stress: Normal blood pressure helps preserve kidney function over time.
- Better Cognitive Health: Maintaining normal blood pressure is linked to better cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia as you age.
- Lower Risk of Vision Problems: Normal blood pressure reduces the risk of hypertensive retinopathy and other vision issues.
Areas for Watchful Monitoring
- Diastolic Threshold: Since your diastolic reading is at 80 mmHg, which is at the upper limit of normal, it's worth monitoring to ensure it doesn't increase further.
- Potential for Progression: Blood pressure tends to increase with age, so maintaining awareness of your readings is important for long-term health.
Tips for Maintaining or Improving a 113/80 Reading
If you currently have a blood pressure of 113/80 and want to maintain it in the optimal range, consider these evidence-based strategies:
Focus on Diastolic-Friendly Nutrition
Since your diastolic pressure is at the threshold, prioritize foods that help maintain healthy diastolic readings:
- Foods rich in potassium (bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach)
- Foods with natural calcium (dairy, leafy greens)
- Foods containing magnesium (nuts, seeds, whole grains)
- Limit sodium intake to less than 2,300mg daily
Regular Physical Activity
Exercise has been shown to improve both systolic and diastolic pressure:
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly
- Include both aerobic exercise and strength training
- Even short walks can help maintain healthy blood pressure
Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is particularly important for diastolic pressure:
- If overweight, losing even 5-10% of body weight can help reduce blood pressure
- Focus on waist circumference as well as overall weight
Stress Management
Chronic stress can elevate diastolic pressure in particular:
- Practice regular relaxation techniques (meditation, deep breathing)
- Ensure adequate sleep (7-8 hours for most adults)
- Consider mindfulness practices or yoga
Limit Alcohol and Avoid Tobacco
Both can affect diastolic pressure:
- Limit alcohol to moderate amounts (1 drink/day for women, 2 for men at most)
- Avoid all tobacco products
- Be aware of secondhand smoke exposure
Regular Monitoring
Keep track of your blood pressure:
- Consider home monitoring with a validated device
- Keep a log of readings at different times of day
- Share results with your healthcare provider
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While 113/80 is generally considered normal blood pressure, there are situations when you should discuss your readings with a healthcare provider:
- If your diastolic pressure increases to consistently above 80 mmHg
- If you notice an upward trend in your blood pressure readings over time
- If you have other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or a family history of heart disease
- If you experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or vision changes along with your blood pressure readings
- If you're taking medications that may affect your blood pressure
- For routine check-ups as recommended by your healthcare provider (typically at least once every two years for people with normal blood pressure)
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 113/80 normal blood pressure for someone over 60?
Yes, 113/80 is considered normal blood pressure even for adults over 60. While there was once a belief that blood pressure naturally increases with age, current guidelines recommend maintaining blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg for adults of all ages when possible. A reading of 113/80 represents good cardiovascular health in older adults and is associated with lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
How does exercise affect a blood pressure of 113/80?
Exercise temporarily increases blood pressure during the activity, which is normal and healthy. If your resting blood pressure is 113/80, it might rise to 140-160/90-100 during moderate exercise. After regular exercise training over weeks or months, some people experience a reduction in resting blood pressure. Since your reading is already in the normal range, you might see only modest decreases, particularly in the diastolic reading, which could bring it below the 80 mmHg threshold.
Could medications lower my blood pressure if it's already 113/80?
Since 113/80 is within the normal range, blood pressure medications would not typically be prescribed specifically for blood pressure management. However, if you're taking medications for other conditions that have blood pressure-lowering effects (certain pain relievers, antidepressants, etc.), they could potentially lower your already-normal blood pressure. If you notice symptoms like dizziness or fatigue, consult your healthcare provider about possible medication effects.
Is it normal for blood pressure to fluctuate around 113/80?
Yes, it's completely normal for blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day. Your reading might be 113/80 at one time and 117/75 or 108/82 at other times. Blood pressure naturally varies based on factors like physical activity, stress, hydration, time of day, and even body position. These variations are normal as long as your readings generally stay within the normal range (below 120/80).
Should I be concerned that my diastolic pressure is exactly 80?
A single diastolic reading of 80 mmHg is not a cause for concern. While 80 mmHg is at the upper threshold of normal diastolic pressure, a single reading at this level does not indicate hypertension. However, it is worth monitoring your blood pressure regularly to ensure your diastolic pressure doesn't consistently exceed 80 mmHg. If it regularly reads above 80 mmHg, especially in combination with increasing systolic readings, consult with a healthcare provider.