108/70 Blood Pressure: Good or Bad? What It Means
Is 108/70 blood pressure good or bad? See how it fits US and NHS ranges, which symptoms matter, and when to talk to a doctor.
Key takeaways
What 108/70 means
Blood pressure has two numbers. The top number is systolic. The bottom number is diastolic.
Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. So 108/70 is in the normal range on US categories.1 In the ACC/AHA categories used by the CDC, normal means a top number under 120 and a bottom number under 80.1
The NHS defines low blood pressure as a reading below 90/60 mmHg. A reading of 108/70 is above that line.2
Use the checker below to try your own numbers. It starts with 108/70.
Calculator
Blood pressure reading checker
See where a blood pressure reading falls on US categories and NHS lines.
Your reading: 108/70 mm Hg
US category: Normal
NHS low line (90/60): Above the line
NHS clinic high line (140/90): Below the line
How it compares with high and low readings
Stage 2 hypertension is 140 or higher on top or 90 or higher on the bottom.1 The NHS considers blood pressure high at 140/90 or higher in a clinic, or 135/85 or higher at home.3
So 108/70 is well away from the high lines. It is also above the low line. For most people, that makes it a reading in the middle of the normal range.
Blood pressure changes through the day based on what you do. High blood pressure means readings that are consistently high.1 One reading is only a snapshot, so repeat it at different times.
Symptoms to watch for
A number is only part of the picture. Some people feel unwell at readings that look fine on paper.
Symptoms that may signal blood pressure that is too low include:2
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Fainting
The NHS advises seeing a GP if symptoms such as dizziness and fainting keep happening.2 This holds even if your reading is above 90/60.
Getting up slowly from sitting or lying is one NHS-suggested way to ease low blood pressure symptoms.2
Habits that help keep blood pressure healthy
The CDC lists healthy habits that help prevent high blood pressure. They are a low-salt diet, a healthy weight, activity, not smoking, limiting alcohol, enough sleep and managing stress.4
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of intense activity per week.4
- Keep alcohol low. The CDC says men should have no more than 2 drinks a day and women no more than 1, because too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.4
You can find more tips in our healthy habits guides.
Who should be careful
If you take blood pressure medicine, ask your doctor before you change it. The NHS says medicines can sometimes cause low blood pressure.
If you have a health condition, ask a health professional what range is right for you. Age and health can change what is best for one person.
Call 911 if a reading is above 180 and/or 120 and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, weakness, vision change or trouble speaking.
Frequently asked questions
Is 108/70 a good blood pressure?
It falls in the normal range on US categories.1 It is also above the NHS low line of 90/60.2
Is 108/70 too low?
By the NHS line, no, because low is below 90/60.2 If you often feel dizzy or faint, see a doctor.2
Does one reading tell me my blood pressure?
No. Blood pressure changes through the day, so repeat your readings over time.1
What should I do if I feel dizzy when I stand?
Get up slowly from sitting or lying.2 If it keeps happening, see a doctor.2