Blood pressure is a measurement that provides a snapshot of the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries. When you receive a reading like 107/72, it is natural to question what these numbers signify for your well-being. This specific measurement falls within a range considered highly favorable for most adults, but understanding the components and context of the reading is necessary for a complete picture of your health. The following sections explore the meaning of these two numbers, how they are classified, the factors that can cause temporary fluctuations, and when to consult a medical professional.
Understanding the Two Numbers
A blood pressure measurement is always presented as two figures, with the top number being the systolic pressure and the bottom number being the diastolic pressure. The systolic measurement, 107 in your reading, registers the maximum force in the arteries when the heart contracts and pushes blood out into the body.
The second number, 72 in your reading, is the diastolic pressure, which represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats. This is the period when the heart chambers refill with blood. Both the systolic and diastolic numbers are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). High readings in either number, particularly the systolic number in older adults, can signal an increased workload on the heart and stiffness in the arteries.
Determining Optimal Blood Pressure Ranges
The reading of 107/72 mm Hg falls within the “Normal” category established by major health organizations for adult blood pressure. This classification is defined as a systolic pressure of less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg. Your numbers are well below the thresholds for both “Elevated” blood pressure and Stage 1 Hypertension.
Elevated blood pressure is diagnosed when the systolic reading is between 120 and 129 mm Hg and the diastolic reading remains below 80 mm Hg. Stage 1 Hypertension begins when the systolic pressure is consistently between 130 and 139 mm Hg or the diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mm Hg. Since your reading is lower than all these levels, it is considered an excellent result.
A reading of 107/72 is considered a healthy baseline, but consistent monitoring remains important because blood pressure naturally changes over time. Maintaining numbers in this range is associated with a reduced lifetime risk of developing serious conditions like stroke and heart disease.
Contextual Factors Influencing Measurements
Blood pressure is not a static measure and can fluctuate significantly based on several immediate factors. Consuming caffeine or nicotine within 30 minutes before a measurement can temporarily cause a spike in both the systolic and diastolic numbers. Recent physical activity or exercise can also elevate a reading by 10 to 20 mm Hg.
The circumstances of the measurement itself can also introduce variability. Factors that can lead to inaccurate results include:
- An improperly sized blood pressure cuff.
- Placing the cuff over clothing.
- Failing to rest quietly for three to five minutes beforehand.
- Talking during the measurement (can increase systolic pressure by 10 to 15 mm Hg).
- Sitting without back support (can raise diastolic reading by about 6 mm Hg).
Emotional state plays a significant role, with anxiety or stress sometimes causing a temporary rise in blood pressure, an effect often termed “white coat syndrome.” For the most accurate assessment, readings should be taken under standardized, relaxed conditions.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While a reading of 107/72 is favorable, a consistent pattern of readings significantly lower than this could indicate a condition known as hypotension, or low blood pressure. Although there is no formal threshold for low blood pressure, systolic readings consistently below 90 mm Hg or diastolic readings below 60 mm Hg are often flagged for further review.
Low blood pressure becomes a concern when accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, which signal inadequate blood flow to the brain. If your blood pressure spikes to 180/120 mm Hg or higher, and you experience symptoms like chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, or blurred vision, this constitutes a hypertensive emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
If you have consistent readings higher than 120/80 mm Hg, or if your current reading is a significant drop from previous measurements, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended. A doctor can evaluate the context of your readings, consider your overall health history, and determine if any underlying causes or adjustments to monitoring frequency are necessary.