A blood pressure of 98/60 is generally a healthy reading. It falls within the normal range defined by the American Heart Association, which classifies normal blood pressure as below 120/80 mmHg. For many people, especially younger adults and those who are physically active, a reading like 98/60 is perfectly fine and may even signal strong cardiovascular health. The key question isn’t whether the number itself is “good” but whether you feel well at that level.
Where 98/60 Falls on the Scale
The current blood pressure categories, updated in the 2025 AHA guidelines, break down like this:
- Normal: below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic
- 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
Your reading of 98/60 sits comfortably in the normal category. There is no official lower cutoff for “too low” in these guidelines. That’s intentional: blood pressure varies widely from person to person, and what matters most is whether a lower reading causes symptoms.
When 98/60 Is Totally Normal
Some people naturally run on the lower end of the blood pressure spectrum their entire lives. This is common in people who exercise regularly, since consistent physical activity makes the heart more efficient at pumping blood. Younger women also tend to have lower readings. If 98/60 is typical for you and you feel fine, it’s not just acceptable, it’s ideal. Lower blood pressure (within reason) means less strain on your blood vessels and a lower long-term risk of heart disease and stroke.
When Low Blood Pressure Becomes a Problem
A reading of 98/60 only becomes concerning if it’s accompanied by symptoms. The hallmark signs that your blood pressure may be too low for your body include dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up), blurred vision, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and nausea. In more pronounced cases, you might faint or feel unsteady on your feet. If you experience none of these, there’s no reason to worry about the number alone.
The context also matters. If your blood pressure is normally around 120/75 and it suddenly drops to 98/60, that shift could produce symptoms even though the number itself looks fine on paper. A sudden change is more significant than the absolute value.
Common Reasons for Lower Readings
Several everyday factors can push your blood pressure toward the lower end. Dehydration is one of the most common, since your blood volume drops when you’re not drinking enough fluids. Pregnancy frequently causes lower blood pressure, particularly during the first 24 weeks, because blood vessels expand rapidly to accommodate increased circulation. Blood pressure typically returns to pre-pregnancy levels after delivery.
Nutritional deficiencies can also play a role. Low levels of vitamin B-12, folate, or iron prevent your body from producing enough red blood cells, a condition called anemia, which can lower blood pressure. Hormonal conditions that affect glands responsible for regulating metabolism and fluid balance are another possibility, as is low blood sugar.
Certain medications, particularly those prescribed for high blood pressure, heart conditions, or depression, can bring readings down further than intended. If you’ve recently started or adjusted a medication and notice your blood pressure dropping along with new symptoms, that’s worth mentioning to whoever prescribed it.
Simple Ways to Manage Symptoms
If a reading around 98/60 is making you feel lightheaded or fatigued, a few straightforward changes can help.
Drink more water. Increasing your fluid intake raises blood volume, which directly supports blood pressure. Limiting alcohol helps too, since even moderate drinking can lower blood pressure further and contribute to dehydration.
Add a bit more salt to your diet. This runs counter to the usual advice, since salt raises blood pressure, but that’s exactly the point when your readings run low. Keep in mind that too much sodium carries its own risks, particularly for heart health in older adults, so this is a targeted strategy rather than a free pass on salty snacks.
Pay attention to how you move. Standing up quickly from a lying or seated position is one of the most common triggers for dizziness with lower blood pressure. Rise slowly, and avoid sitting with your legs crossed for long periods. If you feel symptoms coming on while standing, try crossing your legs and squeezing your thighs together, or place one foot on a chair and lean forward. Both of these positions push blood from your legs back toward your heart. Compression stockings can achieve a similar effect throughout the day by improving circulation from the lower body.
What the Reading Actually Means for You
Blood pressure is one of those numbers where lower is almost always better, right up until it starts causing symptoms. At 98/60, you’re well below the thresholds that increase risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage. If you feel energetic, alert, and stable on your feet, this is a reading most cardiologists would be happy to see. If you’re experiencing dizziness, fatigue, or fainting, the number gives you useful context for a conversation with your doctor about what might be driving those symptoms.