Guide to Measuring Blood Pressure

According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure (≥130/80 mm Hg), which is the #1 preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, as well as kidney disease, cognitive decline and dementia.

Below is a guide to measure blood presure accurately. 1 ~ 2

  • Sit in a chair with both feet on the floor.
  • Measure your blood pressure both arms. The difference should be 5 points or less.
  • Do not drink coffee at least 30 minutes prior to taking the measurement.
  • Do not talk, eat or drink.

New U.S. guidelines were introduced in 2025 showing the following categories for blood pressure.

  • Normal blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mm Hg.
  • Elevated blood pressure: 120/80 to 129/79 mm Hg.
  • Stage 1 hypertension: 130/80 to 139/89 mm Hg.
  • Stage 2 hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg and above.

Last updated on Wednesday 9 September 2026 at 07:38 by administrators

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Footnotes

  1. Solan, M. (2024) What’s the right blood pressure? [online]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/whats-the-right-blood-pressure.
  2. Harvard Health Publications (2024) Tips to measure your blood pressure correctly

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