Is 164 over 64 Good or Bad? Compare Your Blood Pressure | BeatingBetter (2024)

Blood pressure readings are made up of two separate numbers: Systolic and Diastolic. If your blood pressure is 164/64 (164 over 64) that means your systolic pressure is 164 and your diastolic pressure is 64, which are measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

Your blood pressure reading of 164/64 falls within the Hypertension Stage 2 range, indicating high blood pressure levels. To maintain the well-being of your blood vessels, heart, and organs, it's crucial to meet certain criteria. According to the American Heart Association, your systolic (upper) value should be below 120 mmHg, and your diastolic (lower) value should be under 80 mmHg to be considered ideal.[1]

Blood Pressure CategorySYSTOLIC mm HG
(upper number)
DIASTOLIC mm HG
(lower number)
Severe LowLESS THAN 80orLESS THAN 50
LowLESS THAN 90orLESS THAN 60
NormalLESS THAN 120andLESS THAN 80
Elevated / Pre-Hypertension120-129andLESS THAN 80
Hypertension Stage 1130-139or80-89
Hypertension Stage 2140 or HIGHERor90 or HIGHER
Hypertension Stage 3 (Hypertensive Crisis)GREATER THAN 180orGREATER THAN 120

Sources: American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association

For a blood pressure of 164/64 to be considered "good," the systolic value must be between 90 and 120 mmHg, and the diastolic value must be between 60 and 80 mmHg.

Is 164/64 Good or Bad?

Systolic reading of 164 mmHg is in the Hypertension Stage 2 range. Diastolic reading of 64 is in the Normal range.

Therefore, blood pressure of 164/64 is not good — Hypertension Stage 2.

Tip: Make Sure You're Measuring Your Blood Pressure Correctly

To properly take your blood pressure readings, you should:
1. Sit down comfortably and rest for 5 minutes
2. Relax your arm on a table or armrest so the cuff is at the same level as your heart
3. Tighten the cuff snugly, but not too tight: you should be able to fit one finger between the cuff and your arm
4. Take at least three readings, 1-2 minutes apart, and average the results

164/64 Blood Pressure Symptoms

High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because it usually doesn't cause noticeable symptoms until it reaches a severe or life-threatening stage.

Since a 164/64 is considered Hypertension Stage 2, you may experience some symptoms of high blood pressure (hypertension).

Some people with consistently high blood pressure may experience symptoms such as:

  • Headaches — Severe and persistent, often felt at the back of the head
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness — Feeling dizzy, especially when standing up quickly
  • Blurred vision — Vision problems can occur, but this is less common
  • Chest pain or palpitations — Some people may experience chest pain or a feeling of their heart racing.
  • Shortness of breath — Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can occur, particularly during physical activity.
  • Nosebleeds — Frequent nosebleeds may be a symptom of high blood pressure, but they are not a common symptom and are more likely to be caused by other factors.
  • Fatigue or confusion — Feeling unusually tired or confused can be a result of poorly controlled hypertension.

Remember: Blood pressure readings can vary depending on the situation

1. Blood pressure is usually lower at night before sleeping
2. Blood pressure is usually higher in the morning due to the release of cortisol and other hormones
3. Blood pressure can rise when you're nervous, stressed, excited, or physically active
4. Blood pressure can rise temporarily if you drink alcohol or coffee
5. Blood pressure can rise temporarily if you smoke

164/64 Blood Pressure Chart

The chart below shows visualization of the blood pressure 164/64 so you can better understand what it means and where this reading falls on the blood pressure chart.

When looking at the 164/64 BP chart above, both the Systolic pressure (y-axis) and the Diastolic pressure (x-axis) need to be in the "normal" range for 164/64 to be considered good and healthy. As you can see, 164/64 does not fall within the normal range.

164/64 Blood Pressure by Age

164/64 is above the normal range for all age groups, which indicates Hypertension Stage 2.

Here is the average blood pressure by age in a table:

Average Blood Pressure by Age (8-80)

AgeMale
(systolic/diastolic)
Female
(systolic/diastolic)
Age 8100/3998/42
Age 9101/40101/46
Age 10103/49102/52
Age 11105/52103/54
Age 12105/57105/58
Age 13107/55105/60
Age 14111/57105/61
Age 15110/61106/65
Age 16111/63106/63
Age 17112/65108/62
Age 18115/66107/62
Age 19114/63107/62
Age 20118/66105/61
Age 21119/69111/66
Age 22118/67111/65

Sources: American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association

Now that you know what your blood pressure reading of 164/64 means, what should you do about it?

What should you do if you have 164 over 64 (164/64) blood pressure?

Here is a step-by-step guide for what you should do if you have a blood pressure reading of 164/64:

1. Make sure your blood pressure reading is accurate

Is 164 over 64 Good or Bad? Compare Your Blood Pressure | BeatingBetter (1)

If your blood pressure registers at 164/64 in the comfort of your home, you should first make sure that your blood pressure reading is accurate.

If you are using a home blood pressure monitor, follow these steps to ensure an accurate reading:

How to Make Sure Your 164/64 Blood Pressure Reading is Accurate

  1. Sit down comfortably: Sit upright with your back straight and supported on a chair, with your feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on a table or armrest so the cuff is at the same level as your heart. Don't cross your legs.
  2. Rest for 5 minutes: Sit quietly for at least 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure reading. Avoid talking or moving during this time. Focus on slow, regular breathing to help you relax.
  3. Take multiple readings: Take at least three readings, 1-2 minutes apart, and average the results.

Here's a calculator for averaging multiple blood pressure readings:

Systolic (top number)Diastolic (bottom number)
1st reading
2nd reading
3rd reading
Average ? / ?

2. Consult with your doctor about your blood pressure

Is 164 over 64 Good or Bad? Compare Your Blood Pressure | BeatingBetter (2)

If your blood pressure registers at 164/64 in the comfort of your home, it's strongly advisable to have it professionally evaluated by your doctor. Only a trained medical expert can clinically assess your condition to validate the accuracy of your 164/64 reading.

When in the doctor's office, you may have a condition called "white coat hypertension," where your blood pressure readings are higher in a clincal setting (like at the doctor's office) but remain lower at home or during daily activities (like at home).

Is 164/64 a "White Coat Hypertension" Reading?

The American Heart Association recognizes "white coat hypertension" as a condition where blood pressure readings consistently spike in a clinical setting (at least 140/90 mmHg) but remain lower at home or during daily activities (below 130/80 mmHg). This designation applies to individuals not previously treated for hypertension.

Is 164/64 a "White Coat Effect" Reading?

It's worth noting that "white coat hypertension" differs from the "white coat effect," where blood pressure is higher in a clinical environment compared to measurements taken at home or during daily activities. The white coat effect can occur in both treated and untreated patients, with a significant difference of more than 20/10 mmHg between clinical and non-clinical settings.

Approximately 15% to 30% of people may experience white coat hypertension. ([2])

Is 164/64 a "Masked Hypertension" Reading?

On the other hand, "masked hypertension" is a condition where blood pressure readings appear normal in a clinical setting but are actually elevated when measured at home. Research from the European Society of Hypertension suggests that 10% to 30% of individuals may have masked hypertension, which is associated with a heightened risk of heart disease.[3]

Masked hypertension is not yet fully understood, but it is thought that sleep apnea, autonomic dysfunction, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease may be contributing factors.[4]

3. Make lifestyle changes to improve your blood pressure

Is 164 over 64 Good or Bad? Compare Your Blood Pressure | BeatingBetter (3)

If your blood pressure registers at 164/64, you may consider making some lifestyle changes to improve your blood pressure.

Lowering blood pressure often involves a combination of lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication as advised by a healthcare professional. Here are some lifestyle changes that can help lower blood pressure:

  1. Reduce Sodium Intake: Limit your salt (sodium) intake. Try to consume less than 2,300 milligrams (about one teaspoon) of sodium per day.
  2. Weight Management: If you are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on your blood pressure. Aim for a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index). Calculate your BMI →
  3. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week.
  4. Quit Smoking and Nicotine Use: Smoking, vaping, and other forms of nicotine use can raise blood pressure. Nicotine is a stimulant and vasoconstrictor, which means it causes blood vessels to narrow and blood pressure to rise. Quitting smoking and nicotine use can help lower blood pressure.
  5. Stress Management: Make time for stress-relieving activities, such as walking outside, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Try a box breathing exercise, where you breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat this cycle for 5 minutes.
  6. Sleep Well: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Proper sleep can help lower blood pressure by reducing stress hormones and allowing the body to rest and recover.

These simple lifestyle changes can help lower blood pressure and improve overall health. If you have high blood pressure, it's important to consult with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.

4. Monitor your blood pressure regularly

Is 164 over 64 Good or Bad? Compare Your Blood Pressure | BeatingBetter (4)

It's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly to track your progress and make sure your blood pressure is within a healthy range.

If you have 164/64 blood pressure, you should take your blood pressure readings throughout the day to make sure your blood pressure is not too high.

5. Exercise regularly to lower your blood pressure

Is 164 over 64 Good or Bad? Compare Your Blood Pressure | BeatingBetter (5)

A recent study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that isometric exercises are the most effective for lowering blood pressure.

Isometric exercises are static exercises where the muscles are contracted without movement of the joints. Examples of isometric exercises include planks, wall sits, and the yoga pose "chair pose."

Is 164 over 64 Good or Bad? Compare Your Blood Pressure | BeatingBetter (6)

The study found measured the effects of different types of exercise on blood pressure, and here's what they found:

TypeExamplesBP Reduction
(mm Hg)
164/64 can become
Aerobic exerciseRunning, cycling, swimming−4.49/–2.53159/61 (Hypertension Stage 2)
Dynamic resistancePush ups, pull ups, weightlifting–4.55/–3.04159/60 (Hypertension Stage 2)
Combined trainingAerobic + dynamic resistance–6.04/–2.54157/61 (Hypertension Stage 2)
High-intensity interval trainingSprinting, burpees–4.08/–2.50159/61 (Hypertension Stage 2)
Isometric exerciseWall sits, planks–8.24/–4.00155/60 (Hypertension Stage 2)

Based on this study, here's a simple exercise routine you can follow to lower your blood pressure:

Isometric Exercise Routine for 164/64 Blood Pressure

DayExerciseDurationRest Period
MondayWall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
Wall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
Wall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
Wall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
WednesdayWall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
Wall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
Wall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
Wall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
FridayWall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
Wall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
Wall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes
Wall Sits1-2 minutes1-4 minutes

Following a simple exercise routine like this can help you lower your 164/64 blood pressure.

Always consult with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

6. Plan a diet for 164/64 blood pressure

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A healthy diet can help lower blood pressure. Here is a step-by-step guide to planning a diet for 164/64 blood pressure:

  • Reduce Sodium Intake: Limit your salt (sodium) intake. Try to consume less than 2,300 milligrams (about one teaspoon) of sodium per day.
  • Limit Alcohol Intake: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Limit to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
  • Limit Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it can temporarily raise blood pressure. Limit caffeine intake to 400 milligrams per day (about 4 cups of coffee). But if you have high blood pressure, it's best to avoid caffeine altogether.
  • Reduce Processed Foods: Processed foods like fast food, frozen meals, and packaged snacks often contain high levels of sodium and unhealthy fats. Reducing your intake of sugary foods and drinks, as well as refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta, can help control blood pressure.

The DASH Diet is a dietary plan designed to help prevent and manage high blood pressure.

It stands for "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension" and consists of eating:

  • Fruits and Vegetables: High intake of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Aim to include a variety of colorful options in your diet.
  • Whole Grains: This means opting for whole wheat bread, brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-grain pasta instead of their refined counterparts.
  • Lean Proteins: Include lean protein sources in your diet, such as poultry, fish, lean cuts of meat, tofu, legumes (beans, lentils, and peas), and nuts. Limit red meat and processed meats.
  • Diary Products: Select low-fat or fat-free dairy products like skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and reduced-fat cheese to reduce saturated fat intake.
  • Nuts, Seeds, and Legumes: Incorporate nuts, seeds, and legumes (such as almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and beans) into your diet for healthy fats, fiber, and protein.
  • Limit Saturated and Trans Fats: Reduce the consumption of foods high in saturated and trans fats, such as fried foods, fatty cuts of meat, and commercially baked goods.
  • Sweets and Sugary Beverages: Limit sugary snacks, desserts, and beverages, as they can contribute to weight gain and higher blood pressure.
  • Sodium (Salt) Reduction: Reduce sodium intake by choosing low-sodium or no-salt-added options and seasoning food with herbs and spices instead of salt. The DASH diet recommends keeping daily sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams (about one teaspoon).
  • Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating and manage calorie intake.

The DASH diet is not a strict, one-size-fits-all plan but rather a flexible framework that provides guidelines for healthier eating. It promotes a balanced diet rich in nutrients and low in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium.

This dietary approach has been shown to help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and improve overall cardiovascular health.

Before starting any diet plan, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure it aligns with your specific health needs and goals. They can help you create a personalized DASH diet plan that suits your lifestyle and dietary preferences.

7. Be aware of additional risk factors linked to high blood pressure

Is 164 over 64 Good or Bad? Compare Your Blood Pressure | BeatingBetter (8)

While you might be aware of the lifestyle factors that can contribute to high blood pressure, there are additional risk factors that you should be mindful of. Understanding these risk factors can help you take proactive steps to manage your 164/64 blood pressure and reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems.

  • Age: As you get older, the likelihood of developing high blood pressure increases. This is because blood vessels tend to become less flexible and stiffer with age, making it harder for the heart to pump blood efficiently.
  • Family History: Your genetics play a significant role in your risk of high blood pressure. If you have a family history of hypertension, you may be genetically predisposed to the condition.
  • Chronic Stress: Stress is a part of daily life, but chronic stress can have a detrimental impact on your blood pressure. When you experience stress, your body releases hormones that can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to rise. Prolonged stress can contribute to chronic hypertension.
  • Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. It has been linked to high blood pressure because it can disrupt the body's normal sleep patterns and affect hormones that regulate blood pressure.
  • Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease, can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.
  • Weight: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher can increase your risk of high blood pressure. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on your blood pressure.

What should you do when your blood pressure is 164 over 64 (164/64) during pregnancy?

If your blood pressure is

164

/

64

during pregnancy, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Hypertension Stage 2 blood pressure during pregnancy can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that can lead to complications for both mother and baby.

Preeclampsia can occur after the 20th week of pregnancy and is a leading cause of maternal and fetal complications.

Preeclampsia may progress rapidly so it's important to contact your doctor right away if you have 164/64 blood pressure during pregnancy.

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FAQs

How bad is 164 blood pressure? ›

Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/120 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”

Is 64 diastolic bad? ›

What would you define as “too low,” and why is that a problem? A diastolic blood pressure of somewhere between 90 and 60 is good in older folks. Once you start getting below 60, that makes people feel uncomfortable. A lot of older folks with low diastolic pressures get tired or dizzy and have frequent falls.

What is a bad bottom number for blood pressure? ›

Elevated blood pressure is systolic of 120 to 129 and diastolic less than 80. Stage 1 high blood pressure is when systolic is 130 to 139 or diastolic is 80 to 89. Stage 2 high blood pressure is when systolic is 140 or higher or diastolic is 90 or higher.

What is the new normal blood pressure for seniors? ›

Elderly blood pressure range for men and women
Blood pressure categories for adults 65+Systolic mm HgDiastolic mm Hg
Normal blood pressureLower than 120Lower than 80
Elevated blood pressure120-129Lower than 80
High blood pressure stage 1 (severe)130-13980-89
High blood pressure stage 2 (more severe)140 or higher90 or higher
2 more rows
May 23, 2024

Should I go to the hospital if my blood pressure is over 160? ›

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. Any reading above either number is high. But your blood pressure is too high if it exceeds 180/120 mmHg. If you feel fine despite your high blood pressure, it still requires a call and expedited visit to your regular healthcare provider.

What BP level is stroke level? ›

The acute hypertensive response of stroke, defined by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) and World Health Organisation (WHO) as a systolic BP level of >140 mmHg and diastolic BP >90 mmHg, or levels above established premorbid baseline levels [Bath et al.

What is an alarming low diastolic number? ›

A 2016 study found that people with a diastolic blood pressure of either 60–69 mm Hg or below 60 mm Hg were at an increased risk of cardiovascular damage. A reading of below 60 mm Hg increased the risk of coronary heart disease over 21 years.

What is an unsafe diastolic? ›

When the bottom number of blood pressure (diastole) is over 100 mmHg, it may be called diastolic hypertension (DHT). The normal range of diastolic pressure should be 60 to 80 mmHg in adults. Anything above this is considered abnormal (hypertension).

When should you go to the ER for low diastolic blood pressure? ›

If low blood pressure causes a person to pass out (become unconscious), seek treatment right away. Or call 911 or the local emergency number. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR.

What are the two worst blood pressure medications? ›

5 of the worst blood pressure medications
  1. Beta blockers. Usually, beta blockers aren't used as first-choice therapies to lower blood pressure. ...
  2. Loop diuretics. Furosemide (Lasix) is a type of diuretic (water pill) known as a loop diuretic. ...
  3. Alpha blockers. ...
  4. Vasodilators. ...
  5. Alpha-2 agonists.

What is ideal blood pressure by age? ›

Normal blood pressure range by age and gender
AgeWomenMen
18–39 years110/68 mm Hg119/70 mm Hg
40–59 years122/74 mm Hg124/77 mm Hg
60+ years139/68 mm Hg133/69 mm Hg

Which BP number is most important? ›

While systolic pressure does play a greater role in the development of cardiovascular events, it's important to closely monitor your diastolic pressure as well and take action when appropriate. Fortunately, medication and lifestyle changes can lower both numbers.

Is a diastolic blood pressure of 64 too low? ›

Low diastolic blood pressure is 60 mm Hg or lower . If your blood pressure is 90/60 mm Hg or lower, doctors consider you to have low blood pressure.

Can drinking lots of water lower blood pressure? ›

Still, you can make lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure down. Something as simple as keeping yourself hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water every day improves blood pressure. Water makes up 73% of the human heart,¹ so no other liquid is better at controlling blood pressure.

Can 160/100 blood pressure cause a stroke? ›

Extremely high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and weaken arteries in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are considered stroke-level, dangerously high, and require immediate medical attention.

How high does blood pressure have to be to be life threatening? ›

Blood pressure higher than 180/120 mm Hg is considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis. Seek emergency medical help for anyone with these blood pressure numbers. Untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and other serious health problems.

What should I do if my blood pressure is 160 over 100? ›

Combination drug therapy — If a person has very high blood pressure (eg, 160/100 mmHg or higher), then combination therapy with two drugs at the same time rather than monotherapy (treatment with a single medication) may be the initial step in blood pressure treatment.

Is it bad if your blood pressure is 160 over 78? ›

A blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher indicates high blood pressure (hypertension). When systolic and diastolic blood pressures fall into different categories, the higher category should be used to classify blood pressure level. For example, 160/80 mmHg would be stage 2 hypertension (high blood pressure).

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