Measuring blood pressure is a quick, non-invasive process that provides a direct snapshot of your cardiovascular health. It reflects the force with which blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as the heart circulates it throughout the body. Regularly monitoring this reading is important, as consistently high or low pressures can signal underlying issues. This analysis will focus specifically on the reading 106/68 to determine what this measurement indicates about your current health status.
Interpreting Systolic and Diastolic Readings
A blood pressure reading is always given as two numbers, representing different phases of the heart’s pumping cycle. The top number, 106, is the systolic pressure—the maximum pressure exerted on artery walls when the heart contracts and pushes blood out. The bottom number, 68, represents the diastolic pressure—the minimum pressure in the arteries when the heart rests and fills with blood between beats. Both measurements are necessary to provide a complete picture of the pressure dynamics within the circulatory system.
Placing 106/68 on the Blood Pressure Scale
The reading 106/68 is considered a healthy measurement based on current medical guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. For most adults, blood pressure is classified as “Normal” or “Optimal” when the systolic pressure is less than 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and the diastolic pressure is less than 80 mm Hg. Your reading of 106/68 falls comfortably within this range. For context, a reading between 120/80 mm Hg and 129/80 mm Hg is categorized as Elevated, while Stage 1 Hypertension begins when the systolic number reaches 130 mm Hg or higher, or the diastolic number is 80 mm Hg or higher.
Symptoms and Causes of Low Blood Pressure
While 106/68 is a healthy reading, it is on the lower side of the normal range, which relates to hypotension, or low blood pressure. Clinically, hypotension is defined as a reading below 90/60 mm Hg. The primary concern is whether low pressure causes a lack of blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain.
Common symptoms that indicate blood pressure may be too low include sudden lightheadedness or dizziness, especially when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension). Other physical signs are blurred vision, general fatigue, and nausea. Experiencing these symptoms consistently suggests the body is not getting the oxygen it needs.
In generally healthy people, low readings can often be traced to simple factors like dehydration, which reduces the total volume of blood in the body. Certain medications, including those for high blood pressure or depression, can also contribute to lower readings. For some individuals, having a blood pressure in this lower normal range is simply their genetic baseline and is not linked to any adverse health issues.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
A single reading, even 106/68, is not enough for a full health assessment; consistency over time matters most. It is helpful to monitor blood pressure at home using a validated device, taking measurements at the same time each day, such as in the morning before medication. To ensure accuracy, sit quietly with your back supported and your arm resting on a flat surface at heart level.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent symptoms such as frequent dizziness, repeated fainting, or severe fatigue, even if your numbers remain in the normal range. A sudden, unexplained drop in your typical blood pressure reading also warrants discussion. Regular consultation is recommended if you are pregnant or managing an existing condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.