A blood pressure of 98/64 mmHg is a good reading. It falls within the “normal” category, which the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology define as below 120/80 mmHg. That said, it sits close to the lower boundary of normal (90/60), so whether it’s truly “good” for you depends on how you feel.
Where 98/64 Falls on the Scale
The 2025 AHA/ACC blood pressure guidelines break readings into four categories:
- Normal: below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic
- Elevated: 120 to 129 systolic and below 80 diastolic
- Hypertension Stage 1: 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 diastolic
- Hypertension Stage 2: 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic
At 98/64, both numbers land comfortably in the normal range. You’re well below the threshold where doctors start worrying about heart disease, stroke, or kidney damage. In that sense, this is a reading most people would be happy to see.
Why It’s Close to the Low End
Normal blood pressure has a floor, not just a ceiling. Readings below 90/60 mmHg are generally classified as hypotension (low blood pressure). Your systolic number (98) is only 8 points above that cutoff, and your diastolic (64) has a bit more room. Some clinical definitions set the low diastolic threshold at 60 mmHg, which puts your reading just 4 points above it.
None of this means anything is wrong. Plenty of people naturally run on the lower side and stay perfectly healthy. Younger adults, people who exercise regularly, and people with smaller body frames often have blood pressure in this range as their baseline. During pregnancy, blood pressure also tends to dip in the first and second trimesters before climbing back up later.
Symptoms That Would Change the Picture
Most healthcare professionals consider blood pressure “too low” only when it causes symptoms. If you feel fine at 98/64, there’s typically nothing to treat or investigate. Many people with readings in this range have no symptoms at all and never need intervention.
The symptoms to watch for include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up
- Blurred or fading vision
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Trouble concentrating
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Fainting
If you’re experiencing any of these regularly alongside low readings, that’s worth bringing up with a doctor. A sudden drop of just 20 mmHg from your usual baseline can cause dizziness or fainting, even if the number you land on would be “normal” on paper. Context matters: a reading of 98/64 in someone who usually runs 130/85 is a very different situation than the same reading in someone whose baseline has always been around 100/65.
Extreme low blood pressure can lead to shock, which involves confusion (particularly in older adults), cold and clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing, and a weak pulse. This is a medical emergency, but it’s far more dramatic than what a stable reading of 98/64 suggests.
Common Reasons for Lower Readings
If your blood pressure is lower than you expected, a few everyday factors could explain it. Dehydration is one of the most common culprits. When your body has less fluid volume, your blood pressure drops. Eating a large meal can temporarily redirect blood flow to your digestive system and lower your numbers. Certain medications, especially those for high blood pressure, heart conditions, or depression, can push readings downward as a side effect.
Time of day plays a role too. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, often dipping lower in the morning or after rest. A single reading taken at one moment doesn’t capture the full picture. If you’re curious about your true baseline, taking readings at different times over several days gives a more reliable average.
Making Sure Your Reading Is Accurate
Before worrying about the number, it helps to confirm the number is right. For an accurate home reading, sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and your arm resting at heart level. The cuff should be on bare skin on your upper arm. Wait at least five minutes of quiet sitting before taking the measurement, and avoid caffeine or exercise for 30 minutes beforehand.
Research published in The Journal of Clinical Hypertension found that with modern automatic (oscillometric) monitors, the exact positioning of the cuff bladder on the arm doesn’t significantly affect accuracy. So you don’t need to stress about lining up the cuff perfectly over an artery. What matters more is using the right cuff size, staying still, and not talking during the reading.
The Bottom Line on 98/64
A blood pressure of 98/64 is normal by every major guideline. It’s on the lower side of normal, which is generally a good thing for long-term cardiovascular health. The only scenario where this reading becomes a concern is if it’s paired with symptoms like dizziness, fainting, or persistent fatigue. If you feel well, this is a number most doctors would be pleased to see on your chart.