Blood pressure is the force generated by circulating blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. This measurement is a fundamental gauge of cardiovascular health, reflecting how efficiently the heart pumps blood. A reading always contains two numbers, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Interpreting a specific reading like 104/56 requires understanding what each number represents and considering the individual’s overall health status.
Understanding What 104/56 Means
The first and higher number, 104, is the systolic pressure, which records the force in the arteries when the heart muscle contracts and pushes blood out. The second and lower number, 56, is the diastolic pressure, which measures the force in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats. For many healthy adults, the standard for a normal blood pressure reading is defined as less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic.
A reading of 104/56 falls comfortably within this desirable range, indicating a lower-than-average but generally healthy circulatory force. Absolute hypotension is typically recognized as a reading below 90 mmHg systolic or 60 mmHg diastolic. Since 104/56 is above both thresholds, it is not classified as hypotension based purely on the numbers.
This reading is often described as optimal or on the lower side of normal. A slightly lower blood pressure is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The combination of 104 systolic and 56 diastolic is considered beneficial if the person is otherwise healthy and not experiencing physical discomfort.
Recognizing Symptomatic Hypotension
The number alone does not determine if a blood pressure reading is appropriate. Low blood pressure only becomes a medical concern when it causes noticeable physical symptoms, a condition known as symptomatic hypotension. This occurs when the pressure is insufficient to deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other organs.
Common signs that a reading is problematic include lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, and a general feeling of weakness or fatigue. More severe symptoms can involve nausea, cold and clammy skin, or even fainting (syncope). These symptoms signal that blood flow is temporarily inadequate.
If a person with a 104/56 reading experiences these symptoms, the number may be functionally too low for their specific physiological needs, even though it is numerically above the clinical threshold for hypotension. A sudden drop in blood pressure, even if the final number is 104/56, can cause these issues. Medical consultation becomes necessary if these symptoms are frequent, severe, or occur alongside a sudden drop in a person’s typical reading.
Context Matters: Why Readings Fluctuate
A single blood pressure measurement is rarely definitive because readings naturally fluctuate throughout the day and are influenced by numerous factors. A reading of 104/56 may be a temporary dip rather than a consistent baseline. The time of day, for example, impacts blood pressure, which is often at its lowest during the night and early morning.
External and internal factors can also contribute to a lower reading. Highly fit individuals, such as trained athletes, often have a consistently lower resting blood pressure because their hearts are more efficient. Dehydration is a common temporary cause, as lower fluid volume reduces arterial pressure. Certain medications, including those for high blood pressure or anxiety, can also temporarily or consistently lower a person’s reading.
Tracking multiple readings over time provides a more accurate picture of an individual’s typical range. Consulting a healthcare professional can help determine if a reading of 104/56 is the individual’s healthy normal or a sign of an underlying issue that requires attention.