Blood pressure measures the force of blood moving through the body’s arteries, representing a fundamental metric of cardiovascular health. This measurement is always expressed as two numbers, reflecting the pressure exerted by the heart’s pumping action against the vessel walls. Understanding what these two numbers represent and how they compare to established health guidelines is the first step in assessing a reading like 106/60.
What the Two Numbers Mean
A blood pressure reading is composed of two values: systolic and diastolic pressure. The top number, 106 in this case, is the systolic pressure, which measures the maximum force exerted on the arteries when the heart contracts to push blood out. This reflects the pressure during the active phase of the cardiac cycle.
The bottom number, 60, is the diastolic pressure, which measures the lowest pressure in the arteries. This occurs when the heart is at rest, between beats, as it refills with blood. The 60 indicates the pressure remaining in the vessels when the heart is relaxed. Both numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and offer distinct information about the health of the blood vessels.
How 106/60 Compares to Healthy Ranges
The reading of 106/60 falls comfortably within the “Normal” category established by major health organizations. Normal blood pressure for most adults is defined as below 120 mm Hg systolic and below 80 mm Hg diastolic. The 106/60 reading is significantly below both thresholds, which is considered a sign of excellent cardiovascular health.
A systolic pressure of 106 suggests the heart is pumping with a healthy force, and the diastolic pressure of 60 indicates the arteries are relaxed when the heart is resting. This combination suggests a low risk for developing conditions like heart disease and stroke, which correlate with elevated pressure. For context, “Elevated” pressure is 120–129 systolic with diastolic still below 80. “Stage 1 Hypertension” begins at 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
While 106/60 is numerically excellent, a reading this low can border on hypotension, or low blood pressure, typically defined as below 90/60 mm Hg. For most healthy and active adults, however, 106/60 is not a concern and indicates an optimal state. The primary concern with low blood pressure is whether it causes symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, indicating not enough blood is reaching the brain. If these symptoms are absent, this reading reflects an efficiently operating circulatory system.
Variables That Influence Your Reading
A single blood pressure measurement offers only a snapshot of cardiovascular status, as readings fluctuate significantly throughout the day. Many transient factors can temporarily alter the force of blood flow, meaning one reading should not be considered definitive. For instance, physical activity just before a measurement can cause a temporary spike in both numbers.
The consumption of substances like caffeine or tobacco within 30 minutes of a reading will also cause a temporary increase in pressure. Stress and anxiety can trigger a temporary elevation, sometimes known as “white coat syndrome.” Even the simple act of talking or having a full bladder can introduce temporary variability.
The accuracy of the reading is also sensitive to technique. The position of your arm, for example, must be level with your heart; an arm held too low can overestimate the measurement by as much as 10 mm Hg. Because of this inherent variability, healthcare providers advise taking multiple readings over time to determine an accurate average of your resting blood pressure.