Blood pressure reflects the force blood exerts against artery walls as it circulates. It’s measured with two numbers, reflecting your heart’s activity. Understanding these readings offers insight into cardiovascular health, though typical readings vary.
Defining the 98/58 Reading
A 98/58 mmHg blood pressure reading has two measurements. The top number, 98, is systolic pressure, the force when your heart contracts and pushes blood into arteries. The bottom number, 58, is diastolic pressure, the force in arteries when your heart rests between beats.
Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is generally below 90/60 mmHg. While 98/58 mmHg is above this threshold, it’s lower than the “ideal” 120/80 mmHg. For many healthy, active individuals, 98/58 can be normal and beneficial, posing no health concerns if no adverse physical sensations are experienced.
Symptoms Linked to Low Blood Pressure
Abnormally low blood pressure can cause noticeable physical sensations. Common symptoms include dizziness, especially when standing quickly, and lightheadedness (a sensation of nearly fainting). Fainting (syncope) may occur if blood flow to the brain is significantly reduced. Other indicators include blurred vision, persistent fatigue, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.
Common Causes of a Low Reading
Lower blood pressure can stem from daily habits or underlying health conditions. Lifestyle factors include dehydration, which reduces fluid volume and directly lowers blood pressure. Prolonged standing can cause blood pooling in legs, reducing pressure. Highly conditioned athletes also often have naturally lower resting blood pressure due to efficient heart function.
Medical conditions can also cause low readings. Pregnancy often causes a temporary drop as the circulatory system expands to support the fetus. Heart problems like bradycardia (slow heart rate) or valve issues can impair the heart’s pumping ability. Endocrine problems (e.g., thyroid issues, Addison’s disease) or severe infections (e.g., septicemia) can also significantly lower blood pressure.
Medications are another common cause. Diuretics, which eliminate excess fluid, can lower blood volume and pressure. Alpha-blockers and beta-blockers, prescribed for high blood pressure or heart conditions, can also decrease it. Certain antidepressants may also lower blood pressure. Nutritional deficiencies, like lack of vitamin B12 or folate, can lead to anemia and contribute to lower blood pressure.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
A 98/58 mmHg reading typically doesn’t warrant medical concern if no symptoms are present. For many, this reading represents a healthy baseline. The primary trigger for seeking medical advice is the presence of low blood pressure symptoms.
Consult a healthcare provider if low blood pressure is accompanied by dizziness, fainting, or blurred vision. A sudden, unexplained drop, or a consistently low reading that was previously normal, also merits medical evaluation to investigate underlying causes.