A blood pressure of 111/71 mmHg is a good reading. It falls squarely in the “normal” category under the latest 2025 guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, which define normal blood pressure as below 120/80 mmHg. Both your top number (systolic, 111) and bottom number (diastolic, 71) are comfortably within that range.
Where 111/71 Falls on the Scale
Current guidelines break adult blood pressure into four categories:
- Normal: below 120/80 mmHg
- 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 111/71, you’re not even close to the elevated range. These categories apply the same way regardless of age. The 2025 guidelines don’t set different thresholds for younger versus older adults, a change from older recommendations that used to allow higher readings in people over 65.
What This Reading Means for Heart Health
A systolic pressure around 111 is associated with very low cardiovascular risk. An NHLBI-funded study that tracked over 1,400 healthy adults found that people with systolic readings between 110 and 119 had roughly 4.5 cardiovascular events (heart attacks or strokes) per 1,000 people over 10 years. That’s about half the rate of people in the 120 to 129 range, who experienced 8.3 events per 1,000. The median blood pressure in that study was actually 111/67, almost identical to your reading, and the group’s overall 10-year heart disease risk was just 3%.
In other words, 111/71 isn’t just “not high.” It’s in a range where cardiovascular risk is genuinely low.
Your Pulse Pressure Looks Healthy Too
Pulse pressure is the gap between your top and bottom numbers. For a reading of 111/71, that’s 40 mmHg. This is considered the textbook healthy pulse pressure. A pulse pressure consistently above 60 becomes a risk factor for heart disease, particularly in older adults. At 40, yours signals that your arteries are likely flexible and your heart is pumping efficiently.
Is It Too Low?
Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is generally defined as a reading below 90/60 mmHg. At 111/71, you’re well above that threshold. Most doctors only consider blood pressure “too low” if it’s causing symptoms like dizziness when standing, blurry vision, weakness, or fainting. If you feel fine at 111/71, there’s nothing to worry about.
Some people do experience lightheadedness when standing up quickly, even with normal blood pressure. This is called orthostatic hypotension, and it can be triggered by something as simple as mild dehydration. If you notice frequent dizziness upon standing, that’s worth mentioning to your doctor, but the reading itself isn’t the concern.
Making Sure Your Reading Is Accurate
A single blood pressure reading is a snapshot, not a diagnosis. To know whether 111/71 truly reflects your baseline, the measurement needs to be taken correctly. Several common mistakes can skew results by 10 to 15 points in either direction.
For the most accurate reading, sit quietly in a chair for at least five minutes beforehand. Your feet should be flat on the floor, not crossed at the knees. Make sure your bladder is empty. Avoid eating, drinking caffeine, smoking, or exercising for at least 30 minutes before measuring. And don’t talk during the reading. If you’re monitoring at home, taking two or three readings a minute apart and averaging them gives a more reliable picture than any single measurement.
Keeping Your Blood Pressure in This Range
The habits that maintain normal blood pressure are the same ones that protect your heart in general: regular physical activity, a diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, moderating alcohol, and managing stress. You don’t need medication or aggressive intervention at this level. The current treatment goal for all adults is below 130/80, and medication only enters the conversation at 130/80 or higher (and even then, lifestyle changes get the first attempt for most people).
At 111/71, you’re in a strong position. Periodic checks, whether at home or at routine appointments, are enough to make sure things stay on track.