You just sat down, felt the cuff tighten around your arm, and watched the digital screen blink for a few seconds. Then, those two numbers popped up: 113/71. If you're like most people, your first instinct is to wonder if that's actually okay. We've all heard the "120 over 80" mantra since we were kids, so anything that isn't exactly that can feel a bit mysterious.
So, is 113 over 71 a good blood pressure?
Honestly, it’s better than good. It’s fantastic. In the world of cardiology, we’d call this "optimal." It means your heart is pumping efficiently without having to strain against your artery walls, and your blood vessels are relaxed enough to let everything flow smoothly. You aren't in the danger zone for hypertension, and you aren't so low that you’re likely to feel dizzy or faint. It’s basically the "Goldilocks" zone of cardiovascular health.
Breaking Down the Math of 113/71
To understand why this is a "win," we have to look at what these numbers represent. The top number, 113, is your systolic pressure. This measures the force your heart exerts on the walls of your arteries each time it beats. Think of it as the "active" pressure. The bottom number, 71, is the diastolic pressure. This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology, a "normal" reading is anything under 120/80 mmHg. Since both of your numbers are comfortably below those thresholds, you’re in the clear.
But here’s the thing. Blood pressure isn't a static number like your height. It’s a moving target.
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If you took that 113/71 reading right after a nap, it might be even lower. If you took it after a double espresso or a stressful meeting with your boss, it could easily jump to 130/85. The fact that you’re sitting at 113/71 means your baseline is incredibly healthy. It gives you a "buffer." Even if your pressure spikes due to stress or exercise, it’s starting from such a low, healthy point that it’s unlikely to hit dangerous levels.
Why Doctors Love These Specific Numbers
Most physicians actually prefer seeing a systolic number in the 110s rather than right at 120. Why? Because the 2017 clinical practice guidelines lowered the threshold for "Stage 1 Hypertension" to 130/80. By staying at 113/71, you are nowhere near the "Elevated" category (120-129 systolic).
Low-normal blood pressure like this is often associated with a significantly lower risk of:
- Stroke: High pressure can weaken brain arteries or cause clots.
- Heart Attack: When the heart has to work too hard (high systolic), the muscle thickens and weakens over time.
- Kidney Disease: The tiny blood vessels in your kidneys are very sensitive to pressure. 113/71 is gentle on them.
I’ve seen patients worry that 113 is "too low." Unless you’re feeling lightheaded, fatigued, or nauseous, it isn’t. True hypotension (low blood pressure) usually doesn't become a clinical concern until you’re under 90/60. If you feel fine, celebrate the 113. It means your "pipes" are clear and your "pump" is strong.
The Nuance: When "Good" Numbers Hide Problems
Now, let's get a little technical. While is 113 over 71 a good blood pressure is usually a simple "yes," context matters.
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Are you taking medication to get that number? If you were previously at 160/100 and your doctor put you on Lisinopril or an Amlodipine regimen, then 113/71 is a sign the medication is working perfectly. However, if your blood pressure dropped from 140 to 113 suddenly without any lifestyle changes or meds, that’s something to mention to a professional. Dr. Sahil Parikh from Columbia University Irving Medical Center often notes that sudden, unexplained drops in blood pressure can sometimes signal underlying issues like dehydration, vitamin deficiencies (B-12 or folate), or even heart valve problems.
Also, consider your age. For a 20-year-old athlete, 113/71 is standard. For an 80-year-old, it’s still great, but doctors might watch more closely for "orthostatic hypotension"—that head rush you get when you stand up too fast. As we age, our baroreceptors (the body's internal pressure sensors) get a bit sluggish.
Can You Make It Even Better?
If you’re already at 113/71, you don't really need to "lower" it. You just need to maintain it.
The biggest threat to a healthy number is creeping "lifestyle drift." It’s easy to get complacent. Salt is the primary culprit for most people. The average American consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium a day, while the AHA recommends no more than 1,500 mg for ideal heart health. Even if your pressure is 113/71 today, a week of heavy processed foods can pull water into your bloodstream, increasing the volume and pushing that 113 up into the 120s.
Potassium is your best friend here. It acts as a natural counterbalance to sodium. Think of it like a seesaw; when potassium goes up, it helps your kidneys flush out extra salt. Bananas are the famous source, but avocados, spinach, and sweet potatoes actually pack a bigger punch.
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Common Myths About 113/71
Myth 1: "My bottom number is too far from 80."
Nope. A diastolic of 71 is nearly perfect. Some people think the gap (pulse pressure) needs to be exactly 40 points (120 minus 80). In your case, the gap is 42. That’s very normal. A "wide" pulse pressure—say, 140/60—is more concerning because it suggests stiffening of the arteries. 113/71 shows good elasticity.
Myth 2: "I should drink more caffeine to 'normalize' it to 120."
Please don't. Your body knows what it’s doing. If your organs are getting enough oxygen and you aren't dizzy, 113 is your body's natural "happy place."
Myth 3: "One reading is enough."
This is the big one. If you got 113/71 at the pharmacy but you were stressed at the doctor and got 135/85, you might have "White Coat Hypertension." Or, if you got 113/71 once but usually see 130/80, the 113 might be the outlier. To truly claim 113/71 as your "number," you need to see it consistently over a week of testing at different times.
Practical Steps to Keep Your 113/71
If you've hit this target, your goal is "defense." You want to protect those flexible arteries.
- Watch the "Hidden" Salts: Check the labels on bread and salad dressings. They are surprisingly salty.
- The 150-Minute Rule: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. This keeps the heart muscle from getting stiff.
- Magnesium Matters: Magnesium helps blood vessels relax (vasodilation). Pumpkin seeds or a high-quality supplement can help maintain that 71 diastolic reading.
- Breathwork: If you see your numbers creeping up, try the 4-7-8 breathing technique. It stimulates the vagus nerve and can physically lower your blood pressure in minutes.
Basically, if your monitor says 113/71, take a deep breath and relax. You are doing great. Keep doing exactly what you're doing, keep an eye on your salt, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with an optimal heart rhythm.
What to Do Next
- Start a Log: Don't just trust your memory. Use an app or a simple notebook to track your readings once a day for a week. Take them at the same time, preferably in the morning before breakfast.
- Check Your Equipment: If you're using a home cuff, make sure it’s validated. The website ValidateBP.org lists devices that have been independently vetted for accuracy. A cheap, uncalibrated cuff can give you a "false" 113/71 when you're actually higher—or vice versa.
- Consult Your Doc Yearly: Even with perfect numbers, an annual checkup is vital to look at the whole picture—cholesterol, blood sugar, and kidney function—which all play a role in how that blood pressure affects your long-term health.
Focus on maintaining these habits. A 113/71 reading is a sign of a body in balance.