Is 113/80 Good Blood Pressure?
113/80 is borderline. The top number (113) is normal, but under the US ACC/AHA guideline a bottom number of 80–89 counts as Stage 1 hypertension, so 113/80 technically falls in Stage 1 – at its very lowest edge. One reading is not a diagnosis: high blood pressure is diagnosed from the average of several readings on different days. For most people with an average around 113/80 and no other risk factors, the advice is lifestyle changes and re-checking, not medication.
What 113/80 Means
- 113 (systolic, top number): pressure when the heart beats. Below 120 is normal, so 113 is a healthy value.
- 80 (diastolic, bottom number): pressure between beats. Normal is below 80, so 80 is the first value of the Stage 1 range (80–89).
When the two numbers fall in different categories, the higher category applies. That is why 113/80 is classed by its diastolic number, even though 113 on its own is normal.
Blood Pressure Category Checker
Enter a reading to see its ACC/AHA category:
Blood Pressure Categories: Where 113/80 Fits
| Category (ACC/AHA) | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | Below 120 | and | Below 80 |
| Elevated | 120–129 | and | Below 80 |
| Stage 1 hypertension (113/80 is here, by the diastolic) | 130–139 | or | 80–89 |
| Stage 2 hypertension | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Severe / hypertensive crisis | Above 180 | and/or | Above 120 |
Why different sources call 113/80 “normal” or “high”
- US (ACC/AHA, 2017 onward): diastolic 80–89 = Stage 1 hypertension, so 113/80 is Stage 1.
- Older US guidance (before 2017) and many other countries, such as UK NICE: hypertension starts at 140/90 in the clinic, so 113/80 is not hypertension. Older US guidance called 120–139/80–89 “prehypertension”.
- European (ESC 2024): 120–139 systolic or 70–89 diastolic is “elevated blood pressure”, with hypertension from 140/90 – so 113/80 is elevated, not hypertension.
All of these agree on the practical message: 113/80 is not dangerous, but it is a little above the ideal and worth keeping an eye on. Compare with 113/70, which is normal, or see every reading from 113/60 to 113/90 in the 113 systolic blood pressure chart.
Is 113/80 Bad?
Not in the sense of being dangerous. But a diastolic pressure that is consistently 80 or higher is linked with somewhat higher long-term cardiovascular risk than one in the 70s, especially in younger adults. Under the ACC/AHA guideline, people in Stage 1 whose estimated 10-year cardiovascular risk is low (and who do not have conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease) are usually advised to make lifestyle changes and re-check in 3–6 months, rather than start medication.
Check that the reading is accurate
A single diastolic reading of 80 is easily caused by measurement factors:
- Talking, crossing your legs, or an unsupported arm
- A cuff that is too small, or placed over clothing
- Caffeine, nicotine or exercise in the last 30 minutes, or a full bladder
- Stress or “white coat” effect at the clinic
Sit quietly for 5 minutes with your back supported, feet flat and arm at heart level, take two readings a minute apart, and average readings over several days.
How to Bring 113/80 Down
- Cut sodium to under 2,300 mg a day, ideally closer to 1,500 mg; most sodium comes from processed and restaurant food.
- Eat a DASH-style diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy, and potassium-rich foods (unless your doctor has told you to limit potassium).
- Exercise regularly: at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, plus strength training.
- Lose weight if you are overweight – blood pressure often falls as weight comes down.
- Limit alcohol and don’t smoke.
- Prioritise sleep and get checked for sleep apnea if you snore heavily or feel tired during the day.
When to See a Doctor
- Your average home readings stay at 80 diastolic or higher, or 130 systolic or higher
- You have diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease or a high cardiovascular risk
- You are pregnant – blood pressure in pregnancy needs specific monitoring
- You have chest pain, severe headache, vision changes, confusion or weakness – call your local emergency number
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Always discuss your blood pressure readings with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 113/80 good blood pressure?
It is close to normal but not ideal. The systolic 113 is normal; the diastolic 80 is the lowest value of the ACC/AHA Stage 1 hypertension range (80–89). Under UK and European guidelines it is not hypertension. Re-check over several days and focus on healthy habits.
Is 113/80 bad?
No, it is not dangerous. If your average is 113/80, it is a signal to cut salt, stay active and keep your weight in check, and to re-check in a few months. Medication is usually not needed at this level unless you have high cardiovascular risk or conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Is 113/80 high blood pressure?
Technically yes under the US ACC/AHA guideline, which labels any diastolic reading of 80–89 as Stage 1 hypertension. Diagnosis requires an average of several readings on separate occasions, so one reading of 113/80 does not mean you have hypertension.
Is 113/80 normal for someone over 60?
The same categories apply at every adult age, so 113/80 is in the Stage 1 range by its diastolic number at 60 just as at 30. In older adults the top number tends to rise and the bottom number tends to fall, so a systolic of 113 is a good value; discuss the diastolic with your doctor in the context of your overall risk.
Should I worry that my diastolic is exactly 80?
Not from one reading. Diastolic pressure can shift by several points between measurements. If your average over several days is 80 or higher, mention it at your next check-up.
How does exercise affect a reading of 113/80?
During exercise, systolic pressure rises while diastolic usually stays about the same or falls slightly, so measure at rest. Over weeks to months, regular aerobic exercise tends to lower resting blood pressure.