Blood Pressure 113/70 vs 113/80: Comprehensive Comparison
Both 113/70 and 113/80 are considered normal and healthy blood pressure readings. The systolic pressure (113) is the same in both readings and falls well within the normal range. The difference is in the diastolic pressure: 70 mmHg is comfortably within the normal range, while 80 mmHg is at the upper threshold of normal.
Understanding 113-Based Blood Pressure Readings
Blood pressure readings with a systolic value of 113 mmHg are generally considered healthy. To fully understand the comparison between different diastolic values paired with a systolic reading of 113, let's first clarify what these numbers represent.
What Blood Pressure Numbers Mean
Systolic Pressure (113 mmHg)
The top number represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts to pump blood throughout your body. This is when the pressure is highest.
- Normal systolic: Below 120 mmHg
- Elevated systolic: 120-129 mmHg
- High systolic (Stage 1): 130-139 mmHg
- High systolic (Stage 2): 140 mmHg or higher
A systolic reading of 113 mmHg is considered normal and healthy.
Diastolic Pressure (Varies)
The bottom number represents the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting between beats. This is when the pressure is lowest.
- Normal diastolic: Below 80 mmHg
- High diastolic (Stage 1): 80-89 mmHg
- High diastolic (Stage 2): 90 mmHg or higher
The diastolic readings (70, 80, etc.) create the variation we're comparing in this article.
Direct Comparison: 113/70 vs 113/80
Let's compare these two common blood pressure readings with a systolic value of 113 mmHg:
| Feature | Blood Pressure 113/70 | Blood Pressure 113/80 |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Normal | Normal (at upper limit for diastolic) |
| Systolic Status | Excellent (113 mmHg) | Excellent (113 mmHg) |
| Diastolic Status | Well within normal range (70 mmHg) | At threshold of normal range (80 mmHg) |
| Cardiovascular Risk | Low risk | Low risk (slightly higher than 113/70) |
| Monitoring Recommendation | Routine monitoring | Regular monitoring, particularly of diastolic value |
| Lifestyle Modifications | Maintain current healthy habits | Consider mild sodium reduction and stress management |
Key Differences
The primary difference between 113/70 and 113/80 lies in the diastolic pressure:
- 113/70: Both systolic and diastolic readings are comfortably within the normal range, with the diastolic reading 10 points below the threshold for elevated pressure.
- 113/80: While the systolic reading is normal, the diastolic reading is exactly at the threshold between normal and elevated. This doesn't necessarily indicate a problem but warrants slightly more attention.
Blood Pressure Comparison Tool
Compare different diastolic values with a systolic reading of 113 mmHg:
Health Implications: What These Differences Mean
While both 113/70 and 113/80 are considered normal blood pressure readings, there are subtle health implications worth understanding:
Cardiovascular Workload
The diastolic pressure reflects the resistance in your blood vessels when your heart is resting between beats. A reading of 80 mmHg indicates slightly more resistance than 70 mmHg, which means:
- Your heart works slightly harder to pump against this resistance
- Over time, this could contribute to increased cardiac workload
Advantage: 113/70 places less resistance on the circulatory system during the heart's resting phase.
Arterial Health
Elevated diastolic pressure can, over time, contribute to:
- Arterial stiffness
- Increased risk of small vessel damage
While 80 mmHg is still within normal range, it provides less buffer from the elevated range than 70 mmHg.
Advantage: 113/70 may be associated with better long-term arterial health.
Risk Progression
Blood pressure tends to increase with age. Starting with a diastolic pressure of:
- 70 mmHg gives you more buffer before reaching elevated levels
- 80 mmHg puts you right at the threshold, so even small increases could push you into the elevated range
Advantage: 113/70 provides more room for normal age-related increases before intervention might be needed.
Clinical Significance
From a medical perspective:
- Both readings are considered normal and healthy
- Neither reading typically warrants medication
- Both are associated with good cardiovascular outcomes
Verdict: While 113/70 is technically better, both readings indicate good cardiovascular health.
Other Common 113-Based Blood Pressure Readings
Let's examine other blood pressure readings with a systolic value of 113 mmHg:
| Blood Pressure | Classification | Health Implications | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 113/60 | Normal | Excellent blood pressure associated with lower cardiovascular risk | Maintain healthy lifestyle habits |
| 113/65 | Normal | Very good blood pressure with low cardiovascular risk | Maintain healthy lifestyle habits |
| 113/70 | Normal | Good blood pressure with low cardiovascular risk | Maintain healthy lifestyle habits |
| 113/75 | Normal | Normal blood pressure, approaching upper threshold for diastolic | Maintain healthy lifestyle habits |
| 113/80 | Normal/Borderline | At upper threshold for normal diastolic pressure | Consider lifestyle modifications to maintain or lower diastolic value |
| 113/85 | Stage 1 Hypertension | Elevated diastolic pressure indicating stage 1 hypertension | Lifestyle modifications recommended; consult healthcare provider |
| 113/90 | Stage 1 Hypertension | Clear stage 1 hypertension based on diastolic pressure | Lifestyle modifications essential; consult healthcare provider |
This comparison demonstrates how the diastolic value can significantly change the classification and health implications of a blood pressure reading, even when the systolic value remains constant at 113 mmHg.
Factors That Influence the Difference Between 113/70 and 113/80
Several factors may explain why someone might have a diastolic reading of 70 mmHg versus 80 mmHg:
Age
Diastolic pressure tends to increase gradually until about age 55, then may begin to decrease. Younger individuals often have lower diastolic readings.
Physical Activity
Regular aerobic exercise can lower diastolic blood pressure by improving blood vessel flexibility and reducing peripheral resistance.
Sodium Intake
Higher sodium consumption can raise diastolic pressure by increasing blood volume and peripheral resistance.
Stress Levels
Chronic stress can raise diastolic pressure through persistent activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Weight
Body weight, particularly excess weight around the midsection, can increase diastolic pressure.
Genetics
Family history plays a role in blood pressure tendencies, including diastolic pressure levels.
Alcohol Consumption
Regular or excessive alcohol intake can raise diastolic blood pressure.
Hydration
Dehydration can cause temporary elevations in diastolic pressure due to reduced blood volume.
Tips to Maintain Optimal Blood Pressure (Below 113/80)
If you currently have a blood pressure of 113/70 or 113/80 and want to maintain or improve it, consider these evidence-based strategies:
Follow the DASH Diet
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is specifically designed to promote healthy blood pressure. Key components include:
- Abundant fruits and vegetables (8-10 servings daily)
- Whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates
- Low-fat dairy products
- Lean proteins (fish, poultry, beans)
- Limited red meat, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages
- Reduced sodium intake (aim for less than 2,300mg daily)
This eating pattern has been shown to lower blood pressure, particularly diastolic pressure, even without medication.
Regular Physical Activity
Regular exercise can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by:
- Strengthening the heart muscle
- Improving blood vessel elasticity
- Reducing peripheral resistance
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities 2+ days per week. Even activities like brisk walking can be highly effective.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Weight management is particularly important for maintaining healthy diastolic pressure:
- Even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can significantly lower blood pressure
- Focus particularly on reducing abdominal fat, which has stronger links to high blood pressure
- Combine healthy eating with regular physical activity for best results
Reduce Sodium Intake
Limiting sodium can help keep diastolic pressure from rising:
- Aim for less than 2,300mg of sodium per day (about 1 teaspoon of salt)
- Read food labels - processed foods often contain hidden sodium
- Use herbs, spices, and salt-free seasonings to flavor foods
- Rinse canned foods to reduce sodium content
Even a small reduction in sodium intake can help lower blood pressure, particularly in salt-sensitive individuals.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Excessive alcohol can raise blood pressure, particularly diastolic pressure:
- Limit intake to no more than one drink per day for women
- Limit intake to no more than two drinks per day for men
- Consider further reduction if you notice blood pressure increases after drinking
Reducing alcohol consumption is one of the most effective lifestyle changes for lowering elevated diastolic pressure.
Manage Stress Effectively
Chronic stress can keep diastolic pressure elevated. Try these stress-management techniques:
- Mindfulness meditation (even 10-15 minutes daily)
- Deep breathing exercises
- Regular physical activity
- Adequate sleep (7-8 hours for most adults)
- Social connections and support
- Activities you enjoy that promote relaxation
Regular Monitoring
Regular blood pressure monitoring helps you track trends and catch changes early:
- Consider purchasing a home blood pressure monitor
- Take readings at the same time of day for consistency
- Keep a log of your readings to share with your healthcare provider
- Follow proper technique for accurate measurements
This is especially important if your diastolic reading is around 80 mmHg, as small changes could move you into the elevated range.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
While both 113/70 and 113/80 are generally considered normal blood pressure readings, there are circumstances when you should discuss your blood pressure with a healthcare provider:
- If your diastolic pressure increases from 70 to 80 mmHg or higher over a short period
- If your diastolic pressure consistently reads 80 mmHg or higher across multiple measurements
- If you have other cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, or a family history of heart disease
- If you experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or visual changes along with your blood pressure readings
- If you're over 65 years old and notice changes in your blood pressure pattern
- 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
Which is better: blood pressure 113/70 or 113/80?
Both 113/70 and 113/80 are normal blood pressure readings. However, 113/70 is slightly better because the diastolic reading (70) is further from the borderline value of 80 mmHg, which is the upper limit of normal diastolic pressure. This provides more buffer before reaching potentially elevated levels. That said, both readings indicate good cardiovascular health.
Can blood pressure change from 113/70 to 113/80 in the same day?
Yes, blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day in response to activity, stress, hydration, meals, and even body position. It's entirely normal for your blood pressure to vary between readings like 113/70 and 113/80 within the same day. Blood pressure is typically lowest during sleep and higher during periods of activity or stress. These normal variations are why doctors often look at multiple readings over time rather than a single measurement.
Do I need to treat blood pressure of 113/80?
No, blood pressure of 113/80 generally doesn't require medical treatment. This reading is still considered within the normal range, though the diastolic value is at the upper threshold of normal. Instead of medication, focus on maintaining healthy lifestyle habits like regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress management, and limited alcohol consumption. However, if you have other cardiovascular risk factors, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Is 113/70 too low for some people?
Blood pressure of 113/70 is not considered too low for most people. It falls well within the normal range and is actually an optimal reading. Blood pressure is typically only considered too low when it causes symptoms like dizziness, fainting, nausea, or fatigue, which usually occurs at much lower readings (typically below 90/60 mmHg). For most healthy adults, 113/70 represents excellent cardiovascular health.
What causes the difference between diastolic readings of 70 vs 80?
The 10 mmHg difference between diastolic readings of 70 vs 80 can be attributed to various factors including age (diastolic pressure tends to increase until middle age), physical fitness level, sodium intake, stress levels, weight, genetics, hydration status, and alcohol consumption. Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise typically have a stronger influence on diastolic pressure than systolic pressure, which is why someone might maintain the same systolic reading (113) while having different diastolic values.