Blood Pressure 72 Over 40–61: Which Are OK?

With an upper value of 72, the answer depends on your lower number. Here are all readings, sorted by what they mean.

On its own, a systolic (upper) value of 72 mmHg is Low blood pressure by the international categories (2023 ESH guideline) and low under the 2025 AHA/ACC guideline. The worse of your two numbers decides the category, so a raised diastolic (lower) value moves a 72 reading up: every listed reading stays in the same category.

Blood pressure chart with the row for an upper value of 72: which lower values are ideal, normal, high normal or hypertension

Low blood pressure 72/40 to 72/61

72/40
72/41
72/42
72/43
72/44
72/45
72/46
72/47
72/48
72/49
72/50
72/51
72/52
72/53
72/54
72/55
72/56
72/57
72/58
72/59
72/61

What to do with a reading of 72 over …

Clearly low. Measure again; if it is confirmed, or if you have any symptoms (dizziness, fainting, confusion), contact a doctor promptly — the same day. Keep your readings in a free blood pressure log and read how to measure correctly.

Sources: ESH 2023 guideline · AHA/ACC 2025 guideline.

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