A blood pressure of 116/62 falls within the normal category, which the American Heart Association defines as a systolic (top number) below 120 and a diastolic (bottom number) below 80. For most people, this is a healthy reading. However, the diastolic number of 62 sits close to a threshold worth understanding, and the gap between the two numbers deserves a closer look.
Where 116/62 Fits in the Official Categories
The 2025 AHA/ACC blood pressure guidelines group adult readings into four levels: normal, elevated, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. Normal means a systolic under 120 and a diastolic under 80. Elevated starts at 120-129 systolic with a diastolic still under 80. Stage 1 hypertension begins at 130/80, and stage 2 at 140/90.
At 116/62, both numbers land comfortably within the normal range. The guidelines do not distinguish between different ages for these cutoffs. Whether you’re 30 or 70, the same thresholds apply.
Why the Diastolic Number Matters
The diastolic reading (the bottom number) reflects the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats, when your heart is resting and refilling with blood. Your heart muscle gets most of its own blood supply during this resting phase, so the diastolic number has a direct relationship with how well the heart feeds itself oxygen.
A diastolic pressure below 60 is where concern starts. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham coined the term “isolated diastolic hypotension” for readings where the top number is normal (above 100) but the bottom number drops below 60. A large study published in the NIH’s PubMed Central found that people with a diastolic below 60 had a 69% higher risk of coronary heart disease events and a 48% higher risk of death from any cause compared to those with a diastolic of 80-89. Importantly, that elevated risk was concentrated among people who already had calcium buildup in their coronary arteries, a sign of existing heart disease.
Your reading of 62 is above that 60 cutoff, but not by much. If you’re young and healthy with no heart disease, this is perfectly fine. If you’re older or have known coronary artery disease, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor, especially if future readings dip below 60. A diastolic between 60 and 90 is generally considered good for older adults.
The Gap Between Your Numbers
The difference between your systolic and diastolic readings is called pulse pressure. For 116/62, that gap is 54. A normal pulse pressure is around 40, and readings of 50 or above are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Every 10-point increase in pulse pressure raises the risk of coronary artery disease by roughly 23%.
A pulse pressure of 54 is only modestly above the typical range, and in isolation it’s not alarming. Pulse pressure tends to widen naturally with age as arteries stiffen. But if your systolic climbs while your diastolic stays low or drops further, that widening gap is something to track over time. A single reading doesn’t tell you much. A pattern over months does.
When a Normal Reading Could Still Cause Symptoms
Blood pressure that looks fine on paper can still cause problems if it’s lower than what your body is used to. Clinically, hypotension isn’t diagnosed until readings fall below 90/60, and 116/62 is well above that line. But some people naturally run higher and may notice symptoms if their pressure drops.
Signs that your blood pressure might be too low for your body include dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up), fainting, blurred vision, nausea, and unusual fatigue. If you’re not experiencing any of these, a reading of 116/62 is working well for you. If you are, the number on the cuff isn’t the whole story.
Making Sure Your Reading Is Accurate
A single blood pressure reading is a snapshot, not a portrait. To trust a reading of 116/62, the measurement needs to be taken correctly. Small errors in technique can shift results by 10 points or more in either direction.
Sit with your back supported against a chair and your arm stretched out at heart level, palm facing up. Place the cuff on your bare upper arm about one inch above the bend of your elbow, with the sensor centered over the front of your arm. The cuff should be snug enough that only two fingertips fit under its top edge. Stay still and quiet while the machine measures. If the first reading seems off, wait one to two minutes and take a second one. The average of two or three readings taken a couple of minutes apart gives you the most reliable number.
Caffeine, a full bladder, crossed legs, talking during the reading, and checking your pressure right after exercise can all artificially raise or lower the result. Morning readings taken before coffee tend to be the most consistent baseline.
Special Circumstances: Pregnancy and Fitness
During pregnancy, normal blood pressure is defined as 120/80 or lower, with high blood pressure starting at 140/90 (higher than the usual 130/80 threshold for non-pregnant adults). A reading of 116/62 during pregnancy falls within the normal range. That said, blood pressure naturally drops during the first and second trimesters, so your provider will be tracking trends rather than reacting to a single number.
Athletes and people who exercise regularly often have lower resting blood pressure and lower heart rates. A reading of 116/62 in someone who runs, cycles, or does consistent cardio training is entirely expected and reflects a heart that pumps efficiently. For this group, the diastolic sitting in the low 60s is a sign of fitness rather than a concern.
What to Watch Going Forward
A blood pressure of 116/62 is a good reading for the large majority of adults. The two things worth keeping an eye on are whether that diastolic number trends below 60 over time and whether the gap between the two numbers continues to widen. Checking your blood pressure at home a few times per month, using the technique described above, gives you a much clearer picture than occasional readings at a clinic. If both numbers stay stable, you’re in a healthy range with no action needed.