Is a Blood Pressure Reading of 108/66 Considered Low Blood Pressure?

When evaluating blood pressure, a reading of 108 mmHg for systolic pressure (the upper number) and 66 mmHg for diastolic pressure (the lower number) is not classified as low blood pressure. In fact, this range is considered to be an excellent and ideal blood pressure level. According to current clinical research, a blood pressure range of 90–120 mmHg for systolic and 60–80 mmHg for diastolic is regarded as optimal for maintaining cardiovascular health.

Understanding Blood Pressure Categories

Blood pressure is typically categorized into different ranges to help healthcare professionals assess a person's cardiovascular health. If your systolic pressure falls between 120–140 mmHg and your diastolic pressure is between 80–90 mmHg, this is considered to be at the higher end of the normal range. However, if your systolic pressure consistently measures 140 mmHg or higher and your diastolic pressure remains at 90 mmHg or above, this may indicate hypertension, or high blood pressure, which requires medical attention.

What Constitutes Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure, or hypotension, is generally diagnosed when systolic pressure remains below 90 mmHg and diastolic pressure stays under 60 mmHg over a prolonged period. There are both physiological and pathological causes for low blood pressure. For instance, individuals with a smaller body frame, especially women, often experience naturally lower blood pressure levels. This type of hypotension is considered physiological and does not typically lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or vision disturbances, nor does it require treatment.

Pathological Causes of Low Blood Pressure

However, hypotension can also be caused by underlying medical conditions. Some common pathological causes include hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal bleeding, severe dehydration due to diarrhea, and systemic infections. In such cases, it is crucial to identify and treat the root cause to effectively manage and improve low blood pressure symptoms.