A blood pressure measurement of 114/57 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) often leads people to question their cardiovascular health. Blood pressure represents the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries, which are the major blood vessels. This force is measured as two distinct numbers, providing a snapshot of how the heart and blood vessels are working together. Understanding this reading requires context, as a single measurement can be influenced by many temporary factors. To properly assess what 114/57 means, it is necessary to examine each number individually and then place the complete reading within established medical guidelines.
Decoding Systolic and Diastolic Numbers
The upper number, 114, is the systolic pressure, which reflects the force inside the arteries when the heart contracts and pushes blood out. This reading represents the peak pressure achieved with each heartbeat. A systolic measurement of 114 is considered well within a healthy range, indicating the heart is not exerting excessive force to circulate blood.
The lower number, 57, is the diastolic pressure, which measures the force in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. This diastolic phase is when the heart muscle relaxes and refills with blood. Diastolic pressure is an indicator of the elasticity and overall resistance in the blood vessels when the heart is not actively pumping. The diastolic reading of 57 is on the lower end of the typical range but is still generally considered acceptable.
How 114/57 Fits Official Blood Pressure Categories
The American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) established guidelines to categorize blood pressure readings and determine risk level. Categories are based on meeting the criteria for both the systolic and diastolic numbers. For a reading to be classified as “Normal,” the systolic pressure must be less than 120 mmHg and the diastolic pressure must be less than 80 mmHg.
Since 114/57 meets both criteria, it falls squarely into the “Normal” blood pressure category. This classification suggests a person is at the lowest risk for cardiovascular complications based purely on the numerical reading. The next category, “Elevated,” begins with a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 mmHg and a diastolic pressure still less than 80 mmHg. A reading must cross both thresholds to move into the higher risk categories, such as Stage 1 Hypertension, which starts at 130/80 mmHg.
Understanding Lower Diastolic Pressure
Isolated Diastolic Hypotension
While a 114/57 reading is classified as normal, the low diastolic number of 57 requires closer attention. The diastolic phase is especially important because the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle with oxygenated blood, receive most of their blood flow during this resting period. A diastolic pressure that is too low, particularly below 60 mmHg, can potentially reduce the necessary perfusion of the heart muscle. This reduced flow, known as isolated diastolic hypotension, may weaken the heart over time and increase the risk for heart failure, even if the systolic pressure remains normal.
Pulse Pressure
Another important measure is the Pulse Pressure, which is the difference between the systolic and diastolic numbers. For a 114/57 reading, the pulse pressure is 57 mmHg, which is higher than the ideal target of around 40 mmHg. A widened pulse pressure can be a marker of arterial stiffness, a condition where the blood vessels lose their elasticity, which is a common occurrence as a person ages. Therefore, while the reading is technically normal, the combination of a low diastolic number and a wide pulse pressure suggests a need for ongoing monitoring.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
A single blood pressure reading is not enough to diagnose a health condition, as pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day due to external factors like stress, physical activity, and caffeine intake. Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of consistent monitoring over time to establish a true average blood pressure. If a person is taking blood pressure medication, a low reading of 114/57 might indicate the dosage is too high, necessitating a conversation with the prescribing provider.
It is important to seek medical advice if the low diastolic reading is consistently present or if symptoms of low blood pressure occur. These symptoms may signal that the blood flow to the brain or other organs is insufficient, regardless of the numerical reading. A healthcare provider can then evaluate the reading in the context of a person’s overall medical history and determine if any underlying conditions or medications are contributing to the lower diastolic pressure. Symptoms that warrant a consultation include:
- Persistent dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting episodes
- Unusual fatigue
- Confusion