What does a blood pressure of 118/78 mean?

A blood pressure of 118/78 is a normal, healthy reading. The American Heart Association puts normal blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg, and 118/78 sits just inside that range on both numbers. If this is your typical result, there is usually nothing to act on beyond keeping the habits that got you there.

Still, it helps to know exactly what the two numbers mean and why this one is reassuring. This short guide breaks down a 118/78 reading, shows where it falls on the official categories, and explains how to keep your numbers in this range.

What the two numbers mean

Every blood pressure reading has a top number and a bottom number, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg).

The top number, 118, is your systolic pressure. It measures the force in your arteries each time your heart beats and pushes blood out. The bottom number, 78, is your diastolic pressure, the force while your heart rests and refills between beats. So “118 over 78” means a systolic of 118 and a diastolic of 78.

Both numbers matter, and a reading is judged by whichever one sits in the higher category. With 118/78, both values are comfortably in the normal range, which is why it counts as a healthy result.

Where 118/78 sits on the AHA categories

The American Heart Association sorts blood pressure into five bands. Normal is below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic. Elevated is 120 to 129 systolic with a diastolic still below 80. Stage 1 high blood pressure starts at 130 to 139 systolic or 80 to 89 diastolic.

At 118/78, you are below both normal thresholds, so the reading lands firmly in the normal band with a little room to spare. You can see the full breakdown and other common results in our guide to understanding your blood pressure readings.

Is 118/78 a good reading?

For most adults, yes. A reading in the normal range means your heart and arteries are not under extra strain, and it is the level health bodies encourage people to maintain. The CDC links normal blood pressure to a lower long-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.

One reading is only a snapshot, though. Blood pressure rises and falls through the day, so a single 118/78 is best read as part of a pattern rather than a verdict. If most of your readings look like this, that is the genuinely good sign.

If you ever feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint alongside lower-than-usual numbers, mention it to your doctor, since what counts as healthy can depend on your age, medication, and how you feel.

How to keep your numbers here

The habits that hold blood pressure in the normal range are the familiar ones, and they work best when they are steady rather than occasional. Mayo Clinic and the AHA point to the same short list: eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, and wholegrains with less salt, move most days, keep a healthy weight, limit alcohol, sleep well, and manage stress.

Tracking helps too, because it turns single readings into a trend you can actually see. Measuring at the same times each day, with good technique, gives you and your doctor a far truer picture than the odd reading grabbed in a hurry. Our guides on the best time to take your blood pressure and how to measure it at home walk through the details.

When to see a doctor

A 118/78 reading is not a cause for concern on its own. Book a routine appointment if your readings start creeping to 130/80 or above on a regular basis, or if you are unsure what your numbers mean for you.

Seek urgent help right away if a reading reaches 180/120 mmHg or higher, especially with chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, trouble speaking, vision changes, or a severe headache, as these can signal a hypertensive crisis. For a normal reading like 118/78, none of this applies, the sensible next step is simply to keep tracking.

Frequently asked questions

Is 118/78 normal blood pressure?

Yes. The American Heart Association defines normal blood pressure as below 120/80 mmHg, and 118/78 is below both thresholds, so it falls in the normal range for adults.

Is a blood pressure of 118/78 too low?

For most people it is healthy rather than low. Readings are generally only considered low if they drop nearer 90/60 mmHg or come with symptoms like dizziness or fainting. If you feel well, 118/78 is a good result.

How often should I check if my reading is 118/78?

If you are simply keeping an eye on healthy numbers, occasional checks are usually enough, but regularity matters more than frequency. Our guide on how often to check your blood pressure covers what suits different situations.

A single reading is a moment, but a series is a story. Track your BP free in CardioVibe and watch your trend take shape over time.

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This is educational information, not medical advice. If you have questions about your blood pressure or take medication for it, speak with your doctor. For guidance, see the American Heart Association or the NHS. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.

Last reviewed: June 2026