Blood pressure is measured for people who are 18 or above and is categorized as follows:
| Classification | Systolic | Diastolic |
| Normal blood pressure | Less than 120 mm Hg | Less than 80 mm Hg |
| Prehypertension | 120 – 139 mm Hg | 80 – 89 mm Hg |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 140 – 159 mm Hg | 90 – 99 mm Hg |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | 160 mm Hg or higher | 100 mm Hg or higher |
The doctor needs more than one reading taken at an interval of several days to correctly identify if the classification of the blood pressure. It is a good idea to monitor one’s own blood pressure regularly at home and if you see it consistently in the higher range, you should see your doctor.
If you plan to measure your blood pressure at home, you should do so at the same time every day when you are relaxed without having caffeine or nicotine for at least an hour before you check your blood pressure.
