Blood pressure represents the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of your arteries. These arteries are vessels that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Understanding your blood pressure is important because it reflects the overall health of your cardiovascular system. This article clarifies what a specific blood pressure reading, such as 107/67 mmHg, signifies for your health.
Deciphering Blood Pressure Numbers
A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The top number, systolic pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats to pump blood out. This represents the peak pressure during the cardiac cycle. The bottom number, diastolic pressure, indicates the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. This measurement reflects the lowest pressure in the arteries as the heart refills with blood. Both numbers are important for understanding blood pressure.
Evaluating a 107/67 Reading
A blood pressure reading of 107/67 mmHg falls within the “normal” category. According to guidelines from organizations such as the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure less than 120 mmHg AND a diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg. This means that 107/67 mmHg is considered a healthy and optimal reading.
Blood pressure categories include:
- Normal: less than 120/80 mmHg.
- Elevated: systolic reading between 120-129 mmHg and diastolic reading less than 80 mmHg.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: systolic pressure between 130-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg.
- Stage 2 Hypertension: systolic pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day in response to various internal and external factors. Temporary influences can cause readings to change significantly, sometimes by 5 to 40 mmHg. These can include physical activity, stress, anxiety, and the time of day. “White coat syndrome,” where blood pressure temporarily rises in a clinical setting due to nervousness, is another example of such a fluctuation.
Lifestyle habits also influence blood pressure over time. A diet high in sodium can lead to increased blood pressure by causing the body to retain fluid. Regular physical activity helps to maintain lower blood pressure levels. Factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, weight, age, and genetics can also affect blood pressure.
Beyond the Numbers: When to Consult a Doctor
Even with a healthy reading like 107/67 mmHg, consider your overall health context. Blood pressure readings are snapshots; trends over time provide a more complete picture of cardiovascular well-being. Regular check-ups allow healthcare professionals to monitor these trends and offer personalized guidance.
Consult a doctor if future readings consistently fall outside the normal range, even if only slightly elevated. Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, regardless of your blood pressure reading. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, or those taking medications that could affect blood pressure, should maintain regular communication with their healthcare provider. For severe symptoms such as a sudden, severe headache, vision changes, or difficulty speaking, especially with a blood pressure reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher, immediate emergency medical attention is necessary.