A blood pressure of 98/66 mmHg falls within the normal range and is generally a healthy reading. The American Heart Association defines normal blood pressure as a systolic (top number) below 120 and a diastolic (bottom number) below 80, and 98/66 fits comfortably within those limits. For most people, this reading is not only fine but actually favorable, since lower blood pressure within the normal range is associated with less strain on your heart and blood vessels over time.
That said, whether 98/66 is “good” for you personally depends on how you feel. A reading in this range can be perfectly healthy for one person and a sign of a problem for another.
Why 98/66 Is Usually a Good Sign
Blood pressure readings exist on a spectrum, and there’s no single magic number that qualifies as ideal. What matters is that your numbers stay below the thresholds where cardiovascular risk starts climbing. With a systolic of 98 and a diastolic of 66, you’re well below the 120/80 cutoff for normal blood pressure and far from the 130/80 threshold where high blood pressure begins.
Many young adults, physically active people, and endurance athletes naturally run blood pressures in this range. If you’ve been getting readings around 98/66 and feel fine, your cardiovascular system is working efficiently.
When a Low-Normal Reading Is a Problem
Blood pressure only counts as “too low” when it causes symptoms. There’s no hard floor number the way there’s a ceiling for high blood pressure. A reading of 98/66 with no symptoms is healthy. The same reading paired with any of the following is worth paying attention to:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Blurred or fading vision
- Trouble concentrating
- Fainting or near-fainting episodes
- Nausea or upset stomach
If you’re experiencing several of these regularly alongside readings in the upper 90s or lower, your blood pressure may be dropping below what your body needs to deliver oxygen effectively. This is especially relevant if your blood pressure used to be higher and has recently fallen to this level, since a sudden drop matters more than a number that’s always been your baseline.
What Can Push Blood Pressure Lower
If 98/66 is new for you, or if it’s accompanied by symptoms, a few common culprits are worth considering. Dehydration is one of the most frequent causes. When your blood volume drops from not drinking enough fluids, your pressure falls with it. This is particularly common in hot weather, during illness, or after exercise.
Certain medications can also lower blood pressure as a side effect. Drugs prescribed for high blood pressure, heart conditions, depression, and erectile dysfunction can all bring your numbers down further than intended. If you recently started or changed a medication and noticed symptoms, that connection is worth discussing with your prescriber.
Pregnancy is another common explanation. Blood pressure naturally drops during the first and second trimesters as blood vessels relax and blood volume redistributes. It typically reaches its lowest point around mid-pregnancy before gradually climbing back to early-pregnancy levels by delivery. A reading of 98/66 during pregnancy is expected and usually not a concern unless symptoms are significant.
Simple Ways to Manage Symptomatic Low Blood Pressure
If your 98/66 reading comes with occasional dizziness or fatigue, a few straightforward habits can help bring your numbers up slightly and reduce symptoms.
Drinking more water is the simplest starting point. Increasing your fluid intake raises blood volume, which directly supports blood pressure. Aim to stay consistently hydrated throughout the day rather than catching up in large amounts at once. Adding a bit more salt to your diet can also help, since sodium causes your body to retain fluid and raises pressure. For most people, health advice centers on eating less salt, but if you’re running low, a modest increase works in your favor.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can prevent the blood pressure dips that sometimes happen after eating. Large, carbohydrate-heavy meals (pasta, rice, potatoes, bread) tend to pull blood flow toward your digestive system and away from your brain, which can worsen lightheadedness. Splitting those meals into smaller portions throughout the day smooths things out.
Caffeinated coffee or tea with breakfast can give your blood pressure a temporary boost in the morning, when symptoms tend to be worst. Just balance it with extra water, since caffeine has a mild dehydrating effect. Compression stockings, the elastic kind often used for varicose veins, help by pushing blood from your legs back toward your heart, which can reduce dizziness when you’re on your feet for long periods.
Signs That Need Immediate Attention
A blood pressure of 98/66 on its own is not an emergency. But if a low reading is accompanied by cold or clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing, a weak and racing pulse, confusion, or pale skin, those are signs of shock. This means your organs aren’t getting enough blood flow, and it requires emergency care. This scenario typically happens alongside an obvious trigger like severe dehydration, blood loss, an allergic reaction, or a serious infection, not from a routine blood pressure check at home.
For the vast majority of people checking their numbers at home and landing on 98/66, the reading reflects a healthy, well-functioning cardiovascular system. If you feel good, your blood pressure is good.