Is a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg considered normotensive in an adult?

Is 100/60 mmHg Normotensive?

Yes, a blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg is considered normotensive in adults. This reading falls well below the threshold for hypertension and meets the definition of normal blood pressure established by major cardiovascular societies.

Blood Pressure Classification

According to current guidelines, normal blood pressure is defined as <120 mmHg systolic AND <80 mmHg diastolic 1. Your reading of 100/60 mmHg satisfies both criteria:

• Systolic pressure (100 mmHg): Below the 120 mmHg upper limit for normal 2
• Diastolic pressure (60 mmHg): Below the 80 mmHg upper limit for normal 2, 1

The established classification system defines:

• Normal BP: <120/<80 mmHg 1, 3
• Elevated BP: 120-129/<80 mmHg 1, 3
• Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg 1, 3
• Stage 2 Hypertension: ≥140/≥90 mmHg 1, 3

Important Clinical Considerations

Measurement Accuracy

For this reading to be valid, proper measurement technique is essential. The blood pressure should have been obtained with:

• Patient seated quietly for ≥5 minutes with back supported 1, 4
• Feet flat on floor, arm at heart level 1, 4
• Proper cuff size on bare arm 1, 4
• No conversation and empty bladder 1, 4
• Average of at least 2 readings on at least 2 separate occasions 1

Diastolic Pressure Considerations

While 100/60 mmHg is normotensive, the diastolic component warrants attention in specific contexts. A diastolic pressure of 60 mmHg sits at the lower boundary where some evidence suggests potential concerns in certain high-risk populations. Research indicates that diastolic pressures <60 mmHg may be associated with increased cardiovascular events in patients with pre-existing high cardiovascular risk and treated systolic BP <130 mmHg 5. However, this "J-curve phenomenon" applies primarily to patients already on antihypertensive therapy, not to naturally occurring normotensive readings in healthy individuals 5.

Clinical Context Matters

In a healthy adult without cardiovascular disease or antihypertensive medications, 100/60 mmHg represents normal physiology and requires no intervention 2, 1. The patient should be encouraged to maintain healthy lifestyle habits 2.

When to Reassess

Consider further evaluation if:

• The patient is symptomatic (dizziness, syncope, fatigue)
• The patient is on antihypertensive medications (may indicate overtreatment)
• There is a significant change from baseline readings
• The patient has high cardiovascular risk factors 5

Bottom line: 100/60 mmHg is definitively normotensive and requires no treatment in an asymptomatic adult without complicating factors 2, 1.