Your Complete Guide to Measuring Blood Pressure: When Is a Reading Considered Abnormal?

Blood pressure fluctuates from time to time you may measure it once and find it high, and at another time it appears normal. So, how can you know whether your blood pressure is truly high or within the normal range?

In reality, diagnosing high blood pressure is not based on a single reading. To confirm hypertension, at least two separate readings taken on different days are required. Early detection is crucial for preventing serious complications such as stroke or heart attack.

But some questions remain: how can blood pressure be measured correctly? And more importantly, what are the normal and abnormal blood pressure readings?

What Does Measuring Blood Pressure Mean?

Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood through your arteries. A blood pressure test measures the force of that blood pushing against your artery walls as the heart beats and rests. The reading is expressed in two numbers:

• Systolic pressure (the first and higher number): measures the pressure inside the arteries when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure (the second and lower number): measures the pressure inside the arteries when your heart rests between beats.

For example, a blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg means the systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80.

When Should You Check Your Blood Pressure?

It is recommended to make blood pressure checks a routine part of your health care. Everyone aged 3 years and older should have their blood pressure checked by a healthcare provider at least once a year.

In some cases, more frequent monitoring is needed—particularly if you already have high blood pressure or are at risk, such as:

• Being 40 years or older.
• Being overweight or obese.
• Having a family history of heart disease or diabetes.
• Having a family history of hypertension.
• Taking birth control pills or other medications that may raise blood pressure.

High blood pressure usually causes no obvious symptoms, but low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause noticeable signs that warrant a check, including:

• Dizziness.
• Nausea.
• Cold, clammy skin.
• Pale skin.
• Fainting.
• Weakness.

Blood Pressure Reading Chart

Blood pressure can rise and fall throughout the day. A doctor usually diagnoses hypertension only after two or more elevated readings on different days. Your provider will also consider your medical history, family history, and any symptoms before confirming a diagnosis.

Low blood pressure, while less common, is generally defined as a systolic pressure below 90 mmHg or a diastolic pressure below 60 mmHg.

Tips to Prepare Before Measuring Blood Pressure

Many factors can temporarily increase your blood pressure, even if you’re not truly hypertensive. To ensure accurate readings, avoid the following for at least 30 minutes before taking a measurement:

• Exercising.
• Smoking.
• Consuming caffeinated foods or drinks.
• Drinking alcohol.

How to Measure Blood Pressure?

The process typically involves several steps:

1. Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Rest your arm on a table at heart level, with your sleeve rolled up if necessary.
3. The healthcare provider wraps the blood pressure cuff around your upper arm. The cuff should fit snugly, with its lower edge just above the elbow.
4. The cuff is inflated either manually with a small pump or automatically by pressing a button on a digital device.
5. For manual measurements, the provider places a stethoscope over your brachial artery (inside the elbow) to listen to your pulse as the cuff inflates and deflates.
6. For automatic monitors, the device performs the inflation, deflation, and reading electronically.
7. As the cuff tightens, blood flow is briefly stopped. When it deflates, the first sound heard indicates the systolic pressure, and when the sound disappears, that’s the diastolic pressure.

The entire process takes about one minute. Sometimes, your doctor may repeat the measurement while you’re standing, lying down, or using your other arm.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure

Regardless of your current reading, these healthy habits can help you keep your blood pressure in the normal range:

• Exercise regularly to support both heart health and weight management.
• Maintain a healthy weight — losing even 2.3 kilograms (5 pounds) can lower blood pressure if you are overweight.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like oats and quinoa, while limiting saturated fats. The DASH diet is an excellent choice for heart and vascular health.
• Limit sodium intake — adults should consume no more than 2,300 mg (about one teaspoon) of salt per day.
• Quit smoking.
• Manage stress through relaxation, exercise, or deep breathing.
• Get enough sleep each night.

When to See a Doctor?

Seek immediate medical care if you have hypertensive crisis (above 180/120 mmHg) and you experience symptoms such as:

• Shortness of breath.
• Chest pain.
• Back pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Difficulty speaking.
• Numbness.
• Headache.

Also, contact your doctor promptly if you experience low blood pressure symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or fainting.

Best Blood Pressure Monitors from the Pharmacy

Here are some reliable blood pressure monitors you can use to track your readings at home:

1. PIC Smart Rapid Blood Pressure Monitor

Pic Smart Rapid Blood Pressure Monitor a compact, wrist-worn device that functions like a watch—small, portable, and easy to carry anywhere.

2. Beurer BM 45 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor

Beurer Bm45 Arm Pressure Monitor an automatic upper-arm monitor that measures both blood pressure and pulse accurately. Ideal for home use.