113/70 vs 113/80: Blood Pressure With a Top Number of 113
A systolic (top) blood pressure of 113 mmHg is normal. Whether the whole reading is normal depends on the bottom number: 113/60 to 113/79 is normal, while 113/80 to 113/89 is Stage 1 hypertension and 113/90 or above is Stage 2 under the US ACC/AHA guideline. So 113/70 is normal, and 113/80 is just over the line.
Blood Pressure Chart for Systolic 113
| Reading | ACC/AHA category | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 113/60 | Normal | Healthy; the bottom number is at the low end of normal |
| 113/65 | Normal | Healthy |
| 113/70 | Normal | Healthy; not too low |
| 113/75 | Normal | Healthy (113 over 75) |
| 113/80 | Stage 1 hypertension (diastolic 80–89) | Borderline; re-check and focus on lifestyle |
| 113/85 | Stage 1 hypertension | Discuss with your doctor if it is your average |
| 113/90 | Stage 2 hypertension (diastolic 90 or higher) | See a doctor if readings stay at this level |
When the top and bottom numbers fall into different categories, the higher category applies. Readings below about 90/60 are commonly described as low blood pressure, which mainly matters if it causes symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.
Other guidelines draw the lines differently. In the UK (NICE) hypertension starts at 140/90 in the clinic, so 113/80 to 113/89 are not classed as hypertension there; the 2024 European (ESC) guideline calls a diastolic of 70–89 “elevated” blood pressure.
Check Any 113/__ Reading
113/70 vs 113/80 Side by Side
| 113/70 | 113/80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Systolic 113 | Normal | Normal |
| Diastolic | 70 – normal (below 80) | 80 – first value of the Stage 1 range |
| ACC/AHA category | Normal | Stage 1 hypertension (lowest edge) |
| UK NICE (clinic) | Not hypertension | Not hypertension |
| What to do | Keep up healthy habits; routine checks | Re-check with good technique; lifestyle changes; discuss average with a doctor |
| Medication? | No | Usually not, unless you have high cardiovascular risk, diabetes or kidney disease |
A 10-point difference in the bottom number can easily appear between two readings on the same day, from stress, caffeine, posture, a talking patient or a poorly fitted cuff. That is why blood pressure is judged on averages, not single readings.
Why the Bottom Number Changes
- Age: diastolic pressure tends to rise until middle age and then level off or fall, while systolic keeps rising.
- Weight and salt: extra weight and a high-sodium diet both push blood pressure up.
- Alcohol, smoking and stress raise readings.
- Fitness: regular aerobic exercise tends to lower both numbers.
- Measurement: cuff size, arm position and timing can shift the reading by several mmHg.
- Medical conditions such as sleep apnea, kidney disease and thyroid problems.
Keeping Readings Below 120/80
- Follow a DASH-style diet and keep sodium under 2,300 mg a day
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week
- Maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol and avoid tobacco
- Measure at home with a validated upper-arm monitor and keep a log
Medical Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Call your local emergency number if a high reading comes with chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, confusion or weakness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 113 a good blood pressure?
A systolic (top) number of 113 mmHg is normal, since normal is below 120. Whether the full reading is normal depends on the bottom number: it needs to be below 80. For example, 113/70 and 113/75 are normal, while 113/80 is in the ACC/AHA Stage 1 range.
Which is better: 113/70 or 113/80?
113/70 is better. Both have a normal systolic of 113, but a diastolic of 70 is normal while 80 is the first value of the ACC/AHA Stage 1 hypertension range. Neither reading is dangerous.
Is 113 over 75 normal?
Yes. 113/75 is normal blood pressure because both numbers are below the 120/80 cut-off.
Is 113/90 high blood pressure?
Yes. Under the ACC/AHA guideline a diastolic of 90 or higher is Stage 2 hypertension even when the top number is normal. If your average readings are at this level, see a doctor.
Can blood pressure change from 113/70 to 113/80 in one day?
Yes. Blood pressure varies throughout the day with activity, stress, caffeine, meals and posture, so a 10-point change in the bottom number is common. Use the average of several properly taken readings.