Blood pressure is a measurement that reflects the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of the body’s arteries. This pressure is necessary to push oxygen and nutrients to every part of the body. To determine if a specific reading, such as 117/58, is healthy, one must understand the context of the two numbers provided.
Understanding the Components of a Reading
A blood pressure reading is composed of two distinct measurements, recorded in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The first and higher number is the systolic pressure, which measures the force in the arteries when the heart beats and contracts. The second and lower number represents the diastolic pressure, which is the force exerted on the artery walls when the heart rests between beats. This period of relaxation allows the heart to refill with blood and is particularly important for the coronary arteries. Both the systolic and diastolic numbers are indicators of cardiovascular health.
Categorizing Blood Pressure Readings
Healthcare organizations use a standardized classification system for adult blood pressure. A reading is considered Normal when the systolic pressure is less than 120 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is less than 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is defined by a systolic reading between 120 and 129 mm Hg (diastolic still below 80 mm Hg). Stage 1 Hypertension is diagnosed when the systolic pressure is consistently between 130 and 139 mm Hg or the diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mm Hg. Stage 2 Hypertension means the systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher, or the diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher.
Assessing the Reading of 117/58
Analyzing the reading 117/58 requires looking at each component within the established categories. The systolic pressure of 117 mm Hg falls squarely within the Normal range, as it is below the 120 mm Hg threshold. This number suggests the pressure during the heart’s pumping phase is well-regulated. However, the diastolic pressure of 58 mm Hg is below the 60 mm Hg threshold often used to define the lower limit of healthy blood pressure. When the diastolic number is low while the systolic number remains normal or high, the condition is referred to as “isolated diastolic hypotension.”
This specific pattern can be concerning because the heart receives its blood supply during the diastolic phase. A low diastolic pressure can result in inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, which may weaken the heart over time. This pattern is often seen in older adults due to stiffening of the large arteries, which raises the systolic pressure while simultaneously lowering the diastolic pressure. The low diastolic component suggests an underlying condition that deserves further investigation.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
A single reading of 117/58 is not an immediate cause for alarm, but because the diastolic number is below the 60 mm Hg threshold, it should be monitored closely. If the low diastolic pressure is a consistent finding across multiple measurements, a consultation with a medical professional is appropriate. Actionable advice is necessary if the individual experiences symptoms commonly linked to low blood pressure, such as lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. These symptoms indicate that vital organs may not be receiving sufficient blood flow. A doctor can assess the reading in the context of a person’s age, medications, and overall medical history, and may recommend further tests.