Blood pressure measures the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. A reading is always given as two numbers: the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). Understanding these values helps medical professionals determine the overall health of your cardiovascular system. Learning what your specific numbers mean, such as 106 over 70, provides a clear picture of your current health status.
Interpreting the Reading 106 Over 70
The reading of 106 over 70 is considered an excellent result, falling well within the most desirable range. The top number, 106, is the systolic pressure, representing the maximum pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts. The bottom number, 70, is the diastolic pressure, which measures the pressure when the heart rests and fills with blood between beats. Current guidelines established by major health organizations define a Normal blood pressure reading as a systolic pressure below 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg. Because 106 and 70 are well below these thresholds, your reading is classified as normal. This measurement suggests a low risk for heart disease and stroke associated with high blood pressure.
Understanding Blood Pressure Categories
The classification system for blood pressure helps determine the appropriate course of action. The four main categories start with Normal (systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg). Your reading of 106/70 is squarely in this first category.
The next classification is Elevated blood pressure, where the systolic reading is between 120 and 129 mm Hg, and the diastolic reading remains less than 80 mm Hg. This level is a warning sign indicating an increased risk of developing hypertension, often managed with lifestyle modifications.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is divided into two stages. Stage 1 Hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is between 130 and 139 mm Hg or the diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mm Hg. Stage 2 Hypertension, the most severe category, is defined by a systolic reading of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic reading of 90 mm Hg or higher.
Factors Influencing a Single Reading
While 106/70 is an excellent reading, blood pressure is not a static number and can fluctuate significantly throughout the day based on immediate circumstances. Consuming caffeine or tobacco products shortly before a measurement can cause a temporary spike in both systolic and diastolic pressure. Nicotine and caffeine are known to constrict blood vessels, requiring the heart to pump harder, which can elevate your reading by 5 to 10 mm Hg.
Stress or anxiety, sometimes known as “white coat syndrome” when it occurs in a clinical setting, is another common factor. Emotional distress releases hormones like cortisol that temporarily raise heart rate and blood pressure. Even simple actions, such as talking during the measurement, having a full bladder, or not resting for a few minutes before the reading, can artificially inflate the result.
Technical errors also play a role, including using a blood pressure cuff that is the wrong size or positioning the arm incorrectly, such as below the heart level. These temporary variables emphasize that a single reading is only a snapshot; consistently monitoring blood pressure over time provides a more accurate picture of your true cardiovascular health.
Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure
Sustaining a normal reading like 106/70 requires consistent, long-term healthy habits focused on diet and physical activity. Dietary strategies should center on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. This eating pattern naturally increases your intake of minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure.
A key component of the DASH diet is reducing sodium consumption, as high salt intake can lead to fluid retention and higher blood pressure. The standard recommendation is to limit sodium to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, though a lower goal of 1,500 milligrams provides greater benefits.
Incorporating regular physical activity, specifically aerobic exercise, is important for maintaining vessel flexibility and a strong heart. Aiming for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days helps keep blood vessels pliable and supports a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy body weight is crucial, as excess weight forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood, increasing strain on the arteries. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco use entirely will help prevent your reading from creeping upward over time.