Last Updated on December 5, 2025 by Ilayda Cengizhan

What Does 100/70 Blood Pressure Mean?

A reading of 100/70 mmHg is written as “100 over 70.” These two numbers represent the pressure in your arteries at different phases of your heartbeat.

• 100 mmHg (systolic pressure): the pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood.
• 70 mmHg (diastolic pressure): the pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.

In most young, healthy adults, a 100/70 blood pressure is considered normal and healthy.
In some older adults or people with certain chronic conditions, doctors may prefer slightly higher targets such as around 120/80 mmHg, especially if lower pressures cause symptoms like dizziness or fainting.

Key Takeaways About 100/70 Blood Pressure

• A 100/70 blood pressure reading is generally considered normal for many adults.
• Blood pressure targets can vary based on age, underlying health problems, and medications.
• Understanding your blood pressure helps you protect your heart, brain, and kidneys.
• Older adults or people with diabetes, kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease may have different ideal ranges.
• Proactive health management means monitoring your numbers, recognizing symptoms, and working with your doctor.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

To interpret 100/70 blood pressure correctly, it helps to understand how blood pressure is measured and classified.

What the Numbers Mean ?

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and written as:

• Systolic / Diastolic
• Example: 100/70 mmHg
  • 100 = systolic (heart contracting)
  • 70 = diastolic (heart relaxing)

A 100/70 blood pressure reading therefore means:

Your arteries are relatively relaxed between beats.

Your heart is pumping with moderate pressure (not high, not dangerously low).

How Blood Pressure is Measured

Blood pressure is usually measured with a sphygmomanometer (manual) or a digital monitor:

1. A cuff is wrapped around the upper arm.
2. The cuff inflates, then slowly deflates.
3. The device detects the pressure in your arteries during heartbeats and between beats.

For accurate readings:

Avoid caffeine, smoking, or heavy exercise 30 minutes before measurement.

Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes.

Keep your back supported and feet flat on the floor.

Rest your arm at heart level.

Classification of Blood Pressure Levels

Blood pressure levels are categorized by systolic and diastolic readings. Here’s a breakdown of the categories:

A 100/70 blood pressure clearly falls into the Normal category, but on the lower side of normal.

100/70 Blood Pressure: Normal or Too Low?

Whether 100/70 blood pressure is “good” or “too low” depends on:

• Your usual baseline blood pressure
• Your age
• Your symptoms
• Your medical history

Defining Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

Hypotension is usually defined as:

• Below 90/60 mmHg, especially if accompanied by symptoms.

Common symptoms of low blood pressure include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Fainting (syncope)
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Cold, clammy skin

When 100/70 Might Be Considered Low

A 100/70 blood pressure is not technically hypotension, but it can feel “low” for some people, especially if:

• Their usual blood pressure is typically 130–140 / 80–90, and it suddenly drops to 100/70.
• They are older adults, where too low a pressure may reduce blood flow to the brain, kidneys, and heart.
• They are taking medications that lower blood pressure (e.g., antihypertensives, diuretics, antidepressants).

The key question is:

Is your 100/70 blood pressure associated with symptoms?

If yes, it may be too low for you, even though the number looks “normal” on paper.

Low-Normal vs Hypotension

Here’s a practical comparison:

A 100/70 blood pressure falls into the low‑normal range for many adults.

100/70 Blood Pressure Across Different Age Groups

Blood pressure naturally varies with age. A 100/70 blood pressure can mean different things in different age ranges.

Children and Adolescents

• Children and teens generally have lower blood pressure than adults.
• Normal ranges are defined by age, sex, and height percentiles.
• A reading similar to 100/70 blood pressure may be perfectly normal for many adolescents, especially if they are active and healthy.

Influencing factors:

• Genetics
• Diet and physical activity
• Obesity or lack of exercise

Young Adults (Under 40)

• 100/70 blood pressure is very common in healthy young adults, especially those who:
  • Exercise regularly
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a balanced, low‑salt diet
• In this group, 100/70 is typically considered excellent blood pressure as long as there are no symptoms.

Middle-Aged Adults (40–60)

• Blood pressure tends to rise gradually due to:
  • Weight gain
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Stress
  • Arterial stiffness
• A 100/70 blood pressure in this age group is still normal, but less common.
• If it’s new and associated with dizziness or weakness, your doctor may check:
  • Medication doses
  • Dehydration
  • Heart rhythm or hormonal issues

Older Adults (65+)

• Many older adults have higher baseline blood pressure due to stiffer arteries.
• Doctors sometimes aim for systolic <130 mmHg, but not too low, to protect the brain and kidneys.
• For some older adults, a 100/70 blood pressure may:
  • Be perfectly fine if they are asymptomatic and active.
  • Be too low if it causes falls, confusion, or dizziness when standing.

In older adults, the goal is often “safe and stable”, not “as low as possible.”

What Can Cause a 100/70 Blood Pressure Reading?

A 100/70 blood pressure can be the result of normal physiology or a sign of underlying factors.

1. Genetic Factors

• Family patterns strongly influence blood pressure.
• If your relatives naturally have lower or normal blood pressure, a 100/70 blood pressure may simply be your normal genetic set-point.

2. Lifestyle Influences

Habits that often support a 100/70 blood pressure include:

• Regular exercise
• Healthy body weight
• Low to moderate salt intake
• Limited alcohol
• No smoking
• Good stress management

On the other hand, sudden weight loss, restrictive diets, or dehydration can also push blood pressure lower than usual.

3. Medical Conditions

Certain conditions can lower blood pressure toward or below 100/70, especially if symptoms are present:

• Hypothyroidism
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Anemia
• Heart rhythm disturbances
• Heart failure
• Severe infections (sepsis)
• Dehydration, blood loss, or vomiting/diarrhea

4. Medications That May Lower Blood Pressure

Common drug classes that can reduce blood pressure to around 100/70 or lower:

• Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta‑blockers, diuretics)
• Nitrates (for chest pain)
• Some antidepressants
• Medications for erectile dysfunction, especially combined with nitrates
• Strong painkillers (opioids)

If your 100/70 reading is new and you’re on these medications, your doctor may need to adjust the dose.

Health Implications of 100/70 Blood Pressure

Cardiovascular Efficiency

For many people, a 100/70 blood pressure suggests:

• Your heart pumps efficiently without excessive pressure.
• Your arteries are flexible, allowing good blood flow.

This can mean:

• Less strain on the heart muscle
• Lower risk of damage to vessel walls
• Better long‑term cardiovascular health

Potential Benefits of Lower Blood Pressure

Compared to higher blood pressure, 100/70 is generally associated with positive health outcomes:

Possible Concerns for Certain Individuals

Even though 100/70 blood pressure is normal on charts, it can be problematic if:

• It’s a big drop from your usual readings.
• It is accompanied by:
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Blurred vision
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion, especially in older adults

In those cases, 100/70 might be too low for your personal physiology and warrants medical review.

Symptoms to Watch For With 100/70 Blood Pressure

A 100/70 blood pressure reading is often symptom-free. But if you’re experiencing certain signs, you should pay attention.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

If 100/70 blood pressure is accompanied by dizziness, especially when:

• Standing up quickly
• After meals
• After exercise

this could indicate orthostatic hypotension or low circulating blood volume (dehydration, blood loss, etc.).

Fatigue and Weakness

Persistent tiredness or weakness may be related to:

• Low blood pressure in some individuals
• Anemia
• Thyroid disorders
• Infections
• Inadequate caloric intake

If fatigue continues despite adequate rest, medical evaluation is important—don’t assume it’s “just low pressure.”

Fainting Episodes (Syncope)

Fainting can occur when:

• The brain briefly receives insufficient blood flow.
• Blood pressure drops suddenly, even from normal starting values like 100/70.

Any unexplained syncope should be taken seriously and evaluated by a healthcare provider.

When to Be Concerned

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Frequent or severe dizziness
• Fainting or near‑fainting
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Confusion or trouble speaking

Even with 100/70 blood pressure, these symptoms can signal a more serious problem.

Monitoring a 100/70 Blood Pressure at Home

Home monitoring helps you understand whether 100/70 blood pressure is your stable, healthy baseline or a new, concerning change.

Recommended Devices

Choose a validated upper‑arm digital blood pressure monitor. Look for:

• Automatic inflation/deflation
• Correct cuff size for your arm
• Large, easy‑to-read display
• Memory storage for previous readings
• Irregular heartbeat detection (if available)

Brands like Omron, Withings, and other clinically validated models are often recommended.

Best Practices for Accurate Measurement

To monitor your 100/70 blood pressure properly:

1. Avoid caffeine, smoking, and exercise 30 minutes before.
2. Empty your bladder.
3. Sit quietly for 5 minutes.
4. Sit with:
   • Back supported
   • Feet flat on the floor
   • Arm supported at heart level
5. Place the cuff on your bare upper arm, not over clothing.
6. Take 2–3 readings, 1–2 minutes apart, and note the average.

How Often to Check

Frequency depends on your health status:

Tracking Changes Over Time

To understand if 100/70 blood pressure is stable:

• Use a blood pressure log or mobile app.
• Record date, time, reading, and any symptoms.
• Bring your records to your medical appointments.

This helps your doctor see patterns and better interpret whether 100/70 is ideal for you.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider About 100/70 Blood Pressure

You should speak with a doctor if:

1. Persistent Readings Below 90/60

If your numbers drop from 100/70 to below 90/60 mmHg consistently, especially with symptoms (dizziness, fainting):

• This fits the definition of hypotension.
• It needs evaluation to rule out serious causes.

2. 100/70 Is a Big Change From Your Usual

If your usual readings are 135/85, and you suddenly measure 100/70 blood pressure repeatedly:

• This could be due to medication changes, dehydration, infection, or heart issues.
• A sharp drop, even into the “normal” range, can be clinically significant.

3. You Have Important Risk Factors

Extra vigilance is needed if you have:

In such cases, any change toward symptomatic low‑normal values like 100/70 should be discussed with your doctor.

4. Pre-Existing Hypertension or Heart Disease

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, heart failure, or coronary artery disease and your readings fall to around 100/70 or lower:

• Your medication dose may need adjustment.
• Your doctor will balance:
  • Preventing high blood pressure damage
  • Avoiding blood pressure that is too low for safe organ perfusion

Dietary Approaches If 100/70 Feels Too Low

If your 100/70 blood pressure is associated with low blood pressure symptoms, your doctor may suggest dietary adjustments.

Very important: Do not make major salt or fluid changes without medical advice, especially if you have heart or kidney disease.

Salt Intake

Salt helps retain fluid in the bloodstream and can raise blood pressure.

• In symptomatic low BP, doctors sometimes recommend modest salt increase.
• Typical advice (if no heart/kidney disease):
  • Slightly higher salt intake within a safe range
  • Avoid extreme low‑salt diets unless prescribed

Hydration

Dehydration is a common, fixable cause of low blood pressure.

• Aim for 8–10 glasses of water per day (more in hot climates or with exercise, unless restricted by a doctor).
• Include soups, herbal teas, and hydrating foods (cucumber, watermelon).
• Limit excessive alcohol, which can dehydrate and lower blood pressure.

Foods That May Help Raise Blood Pressure Slightly

In people bothered by low‑BP symptoms, doctors might allow:

• Moderately salty snacks (e.g., olives, pickles), if appropriate
• Foods rich in vitamin B12 (meat, fish, eggs)
• Adequate protein and calories to prevent undernutrition

Meal Timing and Portions

To avoid blood pressure dips after eating:

Avoid very heavy, high‑carb meals, which can lower blood pressure after eating (postprandial hypotension), especially in older adults.matters too. Eating less salt and drinking more water can help. Always talk to a doctor to find the best plan for you.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Frequently Asked Questions