What Does 105/XX Blood Pressure Reading Mean? Is It Too Low?

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings: Is 105/XX Considered Low?

Blood pressure is one of the key vital signs providing insight into the health of your heart and circulatory system. The top number (systolic) indicates pressure in arteries when the heart beats. The bottom number (diastolic) is pressure between heartbeats when the heart is at rest. For adults, normal blood pressure is typically 120/80 mm Hg.

What Does a Reading of 105/XX Mean?

A blood pressure reading of 105/XX indicates the systolic pressure is 105 mm Hg when the heart contracts. The XX refers to the diastolic pressure, which is the second number in a complete blood pressure measurement.

A systolic reading of 105 is slightly below the normal 120 mm Hg mark and indicates mildly low systolic blood pressure. However, the diastolic number is also needed to fully classify someone's blood pressure status.

Categories of Low Blood Pressure

Blood pressure under 120/80 mm Hg is considered hypotension, or low blood pressure. Within the broad category of hypotension, there are more specific classifications:

• Prehypertension: Systolic 120-139 OR diastolic 80-89 mm Hg
• Stage 1 hypotension: Systolic 90-119 OR diastolic 60-79 mm Hg
• Stage 2 hypotension: Systolic lower than 90 OR diastolic lower than 60 mm Hg

A reading of 105/XX falls into stage 1 hypotension. If the diastolic value is 60-79 mm Hg, the hypotension is not yet severe. But diastolic pressure under 60 mm Hg would indicate more concerning stage 2 low blood pressure.

What Does Mildly Low Blood Pressure Mean?

In healthy individuals, mild low blood pressure with readings like 105/72 mm Hg often causes minimal or no symptoms. It may even be normal for that person if their pressure consistently remains in that range.

But for those used to higher "normal" pressures, a slight drop into lower levels can sometimes provoke symptoms like:

• Dizziness upon standing
• Fainting or nearly fainting
• Fatigue, weakness, sleepiness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Dehydration
• Depression

Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing from sitting or lying down, is common with stage 1 low pressure. These transient symptoms are usually not severe or debilitating.

Risk Factors for Hypotension

Certain conditions that affect heart function, blood volume, or arteries can predispose people to lower blood pressure readings like 105/XX, including:

• Heart failure
• Heart valve problems
• Severe dehydration
• Pregnancy
• Endocrine disorders like diabetes or thyroid imbalance
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Anemia
• Blood loss/trauma

Being very fit and athletic can also correlate with lower blood pressure ranges in younger adults. But mild hypotension in otherwise healthy people generally does not indicate any serious underlying disorder.

Concerns With Chronically Low Blood Pressure

While not an emergency in the short term, there are some concerns associated with having an ongoing pattern of low pressure around 105/60 mm Hg or lower:

• Impact on vital organs: When pressure is consistently low, the heart, brain and kidneys receive slightly less oxygenated blood. This can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, trouble concentrating, kidney dysfunction and even heart damage over time if severe enough.
• Increased fall risk: Symptoms like lightheadedness, dizziness, blurry vision and weakness raise the chances of falls and fractures, especially in older adults.
• Compromised physical abilities: Low blood pressure often causes exercise intolerance, limited endurance, and reduced strength and stamina.
• Quality of life effects: Ongoing tiredness, trouble thinking clearly, anxiety, depression, nausea, and urinary problems impair daily function and wellbeing.

The lower someone's blood pressureTrends, the more likely they are to experienceFunctional limitations and adverse effects associated with poor organ perfusion.

When to See a Doctor for Hypotension

Consult a physician promptly if you experience:

• Blood pressure readings below 90/60 mm Hg
• Symptoms like dizziness, fainting, chest pain, rapid heart rate
• Confusion, falls or signs of poor organ function
• A sudden unexplained drop in normal blood pressure

Also seek medical care for hypotension accompanied by fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms. Call 911 if dangerously low pressure causes loss of consciousness.

Evaluating the Cause of Low Blood Pressure

To diagnose the reason behind low pressure, doctors consider symptoms, medical history, medications and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

• Blood tests to assess nutrients, blood cells, hormones, etc.
• Urinalysis to check for infections, kidney problems, diabetes
• Electrocardiogram (EKG) to evaluate heart rate and rhythm
• Tilt table test assessing response to postural changes

Findings from this workup help determine appropriate treatment approaches to raise blood pressure or address any underlying condition.

Medical Causes of Low Blood Pressure

Some potential medical reasons for lower pressure around 105/XX mm Hg include:

• Dehydration - Fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea or sweating compromises volume.
• Pregnancy - Hormones and circulation changes lower pressure.
• Heart problems - Damage, disease or abnormal rhythms impair function.
• Endocrine disorders - Diabetes, thyroid issues, adrenal insufficiency.
• Nutrient deficits - Vitamin B12, folate or iron deficiency anemia.
• Nervous system disorders - Parkinson's disease, autonomic neuropathy.
• Sepsis or shock - Severe infections reduce circulating volume.

Identifying and properly treating any underlying condition is key to managing associated hypotension.

Medications That May Cause Low Blood Pressure

Many drugs can also provoke lower pressure levels, including:

• Diuretics
• Beta blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• Calcium channel blockers
• Nitrates
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Alcohol
• Narcotics
• Parkinson's disease drugs

Review all medications with your doctor to see if any adjustments need to be made to mitigate hypotensive side effects.

Treating and Improving Low Blood Pressure

If symptoms are present, treatment aims to raise pressure enough to minimize episodes of dizziness or syncope. Supportive approaches include:

• Increasing fluid and salt intake
• Wearing compression garments
• Elevating the head of the bed
• Slow position changes
• Supplementing fludrocortisone or midodrine
• Discontinuing hypotensive medications if possible

Addressing any underlying illness contributing to low pressure is also part of the treatment plan.

Even without a diagnosed condition, making certain lifestyle modifications can help maintain blood pressure in a healthy range:

• Stay well hydrated
• Limit alcohol
• Follow a nutritious diet
• Reduce medications as able
• Increase salt intake cautiously
• Take up regular exercise
• Raise head of bed 4-6 inches
• Move slowly from lying to standing
• Avoid long periods of stillness

Learning ways to actively improve any symptoms you experience can help overcome challenges of living with chronic mild hypotension.

The Takeaway on 105/XX Blood Pressure

A systolic blood pressure reading around 105 mm Hg with a normal diastolic value generally indicates mild stage 1 hypotension, not yet severe low blood pressure. But any symptoms inhibiting quality of life deserve medical attention to identify causes and find solutions.

Consistently low pressure, even in stage 1 ranges, can over time impact vital organ perfusion and increase falls. Seeking treatment is worthwhile to raise pressure levels closer to normal and reduce associated risks.

While not an emergency requiring drastic intervention, consulting your doctor for blood pressure trends around 105/60 mm Hg or below is advised to safeguard your long-term health and wellbeing.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.