Is blood pressure of 100 / 60 bad for you?

Dr. Luke Norvince

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MD - General practitioner - 4 yrs experience 2h

Is blood pressure of 100 / 60 bad for you?

If you’re looking at a blood pressure reading of 100/60, you’re seeing numbers that fall on the lower end of the “normal” blood pressure range. For many people, 100/60 can be totally fine and might even be their normal. But let's break down when it’s okay and when it might start to become an issue.

Understanding Blood Pressure Basics

Blood pressure readings have two numbers. The first (systolic) measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, and the second (diastolic) measures the pressure between beats, when your heart is at rest. Ideally, we like to see a reading somewhere around 120/80 mmHg for most people, but that's just an average guideline. Generally, anything below 120/80 is still considered good.

Now, 100/60 is technically on the low end, and if you’re generally feeling okay—meaning no dizziness, fainting, fatigue, or other symptoms—it’s usually not concerning. Some people naturally have lower blood pressure and feel great with it, so for them, a reading like this might be their healthy baseline.

When 100/60 Might Be a Concern

That said, there are certain scenarios where a blood pressure of 100/60 could raise some concerns. Here are a few things I’d consider based on my experience in primary care:

1. Are You Having Symptoms? If you’re feeling lightheaded, weak, or dizzy, that’s a sign your body isn’t handling the low pressure well. Some people may feel faint or even pass out, especially when they stand up quickly (orthostatic hypotension). I once had a patient who had consistently low readings around this range but always felt faint after intense exercise or a long day. We discovered that staying hydrated and incorporating a bit more salt into her diet made a significant difference in managing her symptoms.
2. Your Age and General Health Age is a big factor. Older adults, for instance, can be more sensitive to lower blood pressure because their bodies may not regulate blood flow as efficiently. Younger adults and those in good health often handle lower pressures without any issues. In my experience, younger patients with low blood pressure generally don’t feel any symptoms and don’t require intervention unless they’re symptomatic. However, for someone elderly or with other health issues, we’d watch closely and assess if 100/60 is too low for them.
3. Your Activity LevelAre you an athlete or very physically active? Athletes often have lower resting blood pressure and heart rates because their hearts are very efficient at pumping blood. This was the case for a young triathlete patient of mine who had a resting blood pressure of around 98/60 and felt completely fine. We didn’t treat it because his body was used to it. The key is that he was asymptomatic.
4. Medications and Lifestyle Factors Certain medications, especially those for blood pressure, can sometimes lower it too much, so I’d look at your current medications. Even things like dehydration, hot weather, or standing for long periods can affect your blood pressure. One patient of mine was on a diuretic for blood pressure management and had her readings drop quite low after starting an intense summer workout program, which left her dehydrated. We adjusted her medications, increased her hydration, and she felt back to normal.
5. Underlying Conditions Hypotension (low blood pressure) can sometimes point to an underlying issue, like heart problems, adrenal insufficiency, or endocrine issues. Now, that’s rare, but if you’re experiencing other symptoms, it’s something we’d want to rule out.

Practical Tips for Managing Low Blood Pressure

If you’re on the lower end of the blood pressure spectrum but feeling well, here are a few practical tips I’d recommend, based on things I’ve seen work for patients:

1. Stay Hydrated – Dehydration can lower blood pressure. Aim for a good amount of water throughout the day, especially in hot weather or after exercise.
2. Add a Bit of Salt – Some people with lower blood pressure may benefit from a bit more salt in their diet (within reason). Salt helps retain water, which can increase blood pressure slightly. You don’t need to go overboard—just a slight increase.
3. Small, Frequent Meals – Sometimes, a big meal can lower blood pressure. Smaller, more frequent meals help prevent this post-meal drop in blood pressure.
4. Stand Up Slowly – If you’re prone to dizziness, be mindful of standing up too quickly. Sitting or lying down for a moment before getting up can help, especially after rest.
5. Compression Stockings – For some people with chronic low blood pressure, compression stockings can help improve circulation and prevent blood from pooling in the legs.

When to Check in With a Doctor

If you have frequent symptoms, definitely reach out to a healthcare provider. Low blood pressure can often be managed, but if it’s a sudden change or comes with other symptoms (like chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, or severe fatigue), we’d want to look into it right away.

In summary, a blood pressure of 100/60 isn’t necessarily “bad” if you feel well, but it’s worth monitoring. Be mindful of symptoms, keep an eye on hydration and lifestyle factors, and don’t hesitate to check in with a healthcare provider if you notice any changes. In my experience, it’s all about listening to your body and addressing any unusual signs, and more often than not, slight adjustments in diet and habits make all the difference.