A blood pressure of 106/77 is a good reading. Both numbers fall squarely within the “normal” category, which is defined as a systolic (top number) below 120 and a diastolic (bottom number) below 80. The 2025 guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology kept these thresholds unchanged, so this classification is current.
Where 106/77 Falls on the Chart
Blood pressure is grouped into four categories:
- Normal: below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic
- Elevated: 120 to 129 systolic with diastolic still below 80
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 diastolic
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140 or higher systolic, or 90 or higher diastolic
At 106/77, both your top and bottom numbers sit comfortably in the normal range. If the two numbers ever land in different categories, the higher category applies. That’s not an issue here since both are normal.
These categories apply uniformly to all adults. Older guidelines used different thresholds for people over 65, but that distinction was dropped in 2017 after large-scale trial data showed no reason to separate recommendations by age.
Is 106 Too Low?
A systolic reading of 106 is on the lower side of normal, which sometimes makes people wonder if it’s “too low.” There’s no firm numerical cutoff for low blood pressure the way there is for high blood pressure. Most clinicians only consider blood pressure too low when it causes symptoms. If you feel fine at 106/77, the reading is simply a sign that your cardiovascular system isn’t working harder than it needs to.
People who are physically active tend to run lower. A study of nearly 3,700 young athletes found that women averaged about 116/75 and men averaged about 126/80, with endurance and speed athletes trending toward the lower end. Athletes’ resting blood pressure is typically only 3 to 4 points lower than that of non-athletes with normal readings, so 106 systolic, while below average, isn’t unusual for someone who exercises regularly or who is naturally lean.
Symptoms That Would Change the Picture
A blood pressure of 106/77 only becomes a concern if you’re experiencing any of the following on a regular basis:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly
- Blurred or fading vision
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
- Persistent fatigue that isn’t explained by sleep or activity levels
- Trouble concentrating
- Nausea or upset stomach
If none of those apply, your reading is simply healthy. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, rising during activity and stress and dipping during rest. A single reading gives you a snapshot, not the full picture. If you’re curious about your baseline, taking readings at the same time of day over a week or two gives a more reliable average.
What About Pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant and checking your numbers, 106/77 is still well within the normal range. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists uses the same normal threshold of below 120/80. Blood pressure often dips slightly during the second trimester before rising again closer to delivery, so a reading in this range is expected. Gestational hypertension isn’t diagnosed unless systolic reaches 140 or diastolic hits 90, both far above your numbers.
Keeping Your Numbers Where They Are
Normal blood pressure isn’t permanent. It can creep upward over years, particularly with weight gain, a high-sodium diet, increased alcohol intake, or reduced physical activity. The standard recommendation for people with a normal reading is simply to maintain or adopt the habits that got them there: regular movement, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, moderate sodium intake, and consistent sleep. You don’t need medication, additional monitoring, or dietary supplements at this level. Your reading is exactly where you want it to be.