Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood against the artery walls. This measurement is expressed as two numbers: the higher number (systolic) represents the pressure when the heart contracts, and the lower number (diastolic) reflects the pressure when the heart rests between beats. Understanding whether a specific reading is healthy provides insight into cardiovascular function. This article examines the classification of 103/63 and discusses what a reading on the lower end of the spectrum means for health.
How to Interpret the Reading 103/63
The reading 103/63 mm Hg is interpreted by separating it into its two components. The top number, 103, is the systolic pressure, measuring the force in the arteries when the heart actively pumps blood out to the body. The bottom number, 63, is the diastolic pressure, measuring the pressure when the heart is relaxed and refilling.
A reading of 103/63 is considered in the “Normal” category for most adults. Normal blood pressure is defined by major health organizations as a systolic pressure less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg. This reading is well outside the range for high blood pressure (hypertension).
While 103/63 is healthy, it is situated toward the lower limit of what is considered typical. The average adult blood pressure is often cited as close to 110/70 mm Hg, making 103/63 slightly below average. For many people, a reading this low is simply their personal, healthy baseline and is not a cause for concern.
Standard Blood Pressure Categories
Understanding where 103/63 falls requires reviewing the accepted classifications for adult blood pressure. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) define categories to help professionals assess risk and guide treatment, based on systolic and diastolic numbers.
The “Normal” category is the healthiest classification, designated for readings with a systolic pressure less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg. Readings between 120–129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic are classified as “Elevated.” This category suggests that lifestyle modifications may be needed to prevent further increases.
Hypertension begins with Stage 1, defined by a systolic pressure between 130–139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 80–89 mm Hg. Stage 2 Hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher or the diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher. The 103/63 reading is well below these thresholds, confirming its status in the Normal range.
Understanding Potential Low Blood Pressure and Next Steps
Although 103/63 is categorized as normal, it approaches the territory of clinically low blood pressure, known as hypotension. Hypotension is generally defined as a reading lower than 90/60 mm Hg, but what is considered low varies significantly between individuals. For someone who typically maintains a much higher pressure, a sudden drop to 103/63 might be significant, even if it is above the clinical threshold.
Low blood pressure only becomes a concern if it causes noticeable symptoms, indicating that the body’s organs are not receiving sufficient blood flow. Common symptoms include lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, and general weakness. Other symptoms may include fainting, nausea, or trouble concentrating.
The causes of a lower reading like 103/63 are often benign and related to daily habits. Dehydration is a frequent cause of lower blood pressure. Standing up too quickly can also lead to a temporary drop called orthostatic hypotension. Other factors include the time of day, recent exercise, and certain medications, such as those prescribed for high blood pressure or depression.
If the reading of 103/63 is consistent and the individual feels fine, it is likely a healthy reading for them. If the reading is accompanied by persistent or concerning symptoms, such as repeated fainting or significant confusion, a healthcare provider should be contacted immediately. Seeking medical advice is important if the low reading is a sudden change from a previously higher baseline or if it is linked to a new medication or underlying health conditions.