A Useful Guide to Blood Pressure Reading in Singapore (2025)

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings in Singapore

  • Jul 30, 2025 (Last updated: Aug 21, 2025 )
  • 7 Minutes Read
  • Authored By: Dr. Leonard Leng
  • Blood Pressure Readings & Interpretation, Hypertension & Cardiovascular Risk, Blood Pressure Monitoring & Accuracy

What Is a Blood Pressure Reading?

A blood pressure reading reflects the force of circulating blood exerted on the walls of your arteries and serves as a key indicator of cardiovascular health. It is recorded using two numbers:

  1. Systolic Pressure (Upper Number) – The pressure in your arteries when your heart contracts and pumps blood.
  2. Diastolic Pressure (Lower Number) – The pressure in your arteries when your heart relaxes between beats.

Blood pressure readings help detect and monitor hypertension, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Many individuals with high blood pressure do not experience symptoms, making routine screening essential for early detection and timely intervention.

Using a digital blood pressure monitor to check systolic and diastolic readings at home.

How Is Blood Pressure Categorised?

Blood pressure is measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg) and written as systolic over diastolic, for example, 120/80 mmHg. According to clinical guidelines in Singapore, blood pressure is classified into the following categories:

Categories Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg) Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)
Normal < 120 < 80
High-Normal (Borderline) 130 - 139 85 - 89
Hypertension Stage 1 140 - 159 90 - 99
Hypertension Stage 2 ≥ 160 ≥ 100

What Is Considered a Healthy Blood Pressure by Age?

Healthy blood pressure ranges generally remain consistent across age groups. However, slightly higher readings, particularly in adults over 65, may be considered appropriate depending on individual health status, the presence of other medical conditions, and the effects of treatments such as medication.

Blood pressure typically begins to rise from around age 50 due to natural changes in the cardiovascular system. As arteries stiffen with age, the heart must pump harder to circulate blood, leading to higher pressure. Other contributing factors include reduced kidney function, hormonal shifts, and long-term lifestyle influences.

When Should You Monitor Your Blood Pressure?

You should consider checking or monitoring your blood pressure if you:

  • You are over 18 years old and have not had a recent health screening.
  • You are taking medication for high blood pressure or related conditions.
  • You have a family history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
  • You experience symptoms such as frequent headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, or chest discomfort.

If your doctor has advised you to monitor your blood pressure at home, it is important to follow this guidance as it helps track your treatment progress and supports informed adjustments if necessary.

Doctor reviewing blood pressure report with patient during clinic consultation in Singapore.

Tips for Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

To measure your blood pressure accurately at home, follow these tips:

  • Use a validated upper-arm digital monitor (one that has been clinically tested for accuracy).
  • Measure at the same time each day, ideally in the morning before eating or taking medication.
  • Take two to three readings, one minute apart, and record the average.
  • Sit quietly for at least five minutes before measuring.
  • Avoid speaking or moving during the reading.

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on when and how to measure your blood pressure at home. This ensures that the readings collected are reliable and useful for monitoring your health and guiding your treatment plan.

What Can Affect Your Blood Pressure Reading?

Many factors can affect your blood pressure reading, even over a short period. These include physiological, behavioural, and environmental influences:

  • Body Position and Posture – Crossing your legs, unsupported arms, or slouching may lead to inaccurate results.
  • Emotional State – Feelings of stress, anxiety, or pain can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure.
  • Recent Physical Activity – Exercise or exertion shortly before measurement can elevate your reading.
  • Dietary Intake and Substances – Caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use can influence blood pressure levels.
  • Time of Day – Blood pressure follows a daily rhythm and may vary between morning and evening.
Asian woman feeling dizzy due to high or fluctuating blood pressure.

For more accurate and consistent readings, sit quietly for at least five minutes before measurement, avoid caffeine or smoking for 30 minutes beforehand, and keep your arm supported at heart level with both feet flat on the floor.

What Should You Do if Your Reading Is High?

If your blood pressure reading is elevated or high, you should:

  • Repeat the measurement after a few minutes to confirm the result.
  • Consider recent activities or stressors that may have affected the reading.
  • Schedule a consultation with your doctor if high readings persist.
  • Make lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend further investigations, medication, or regular monitoring depending on your overall health and risk factors.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To read a blood pressure monitor, note the two numbers displayed: the top number is systolic pressure, and the bottom number is diastolic pressure. For example, a reading of 120 over 80 millimetres of mercury (mmHg) means the systolic pressure is 120 mmHg and the diastolic is 80 mmHg. Both numbers are important in determining if your blood pressure falls within a healthy, elevated, or high range.
Blood pressure readings reflect the force of blood against artery walls and help assess cardiovascular risk. A normal reading is typically below 120/80 mmHg, though ideal targets may vary depending on age, health conditions, and treatment goals. The systolic value measures pressure during heartbeats, and the diastolic reflects pressure between beats. Persistent readings above guideline thresholds may require medical evaluation or treatment.
Irregular blood pressure readings may result from temporary factors like stress, posture, or recent activity, but frequent fluctuations can signal underlying health issues. It is advisable to consult your doctor for personalised medical guidance on your condition and treatment, especially if you consistently record readings outside the normal range or experience related symptoms.
A high diastolic blood pressure reading, typically 90 mmHg or above, may indicate increased resistance in the arteries when the heart is at rest. Sustained high diastolic pressure is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and may require medical attention. It is advisable to consult a doctor for personalised medical guidance on your condition and if treatment is required.
Yes, using a blood pressure cuff that is too tight or the wrong size can affect the accuracy of your reading and may result in falsely elevated values. For reliable results, use a properly fitted upper-arm cuff positioned at heart level. If you are unsure, consulting a doctor or trained healthcare provider can offer proper guidance on measurement technique.
Ideal blood pressure readings for older adults generally fall below 140/90 mmHg, though targets may vary depending on individual health conditions, treatment tolerance, and cardiovascular risk. Slightly higher readings may be acceptable in those over 65. It is best to consult your doctor to determine what is appropriate based on your age and overall health profile.
A dangerously high blood pressure reading is typically 180/120 mmHg or above, which may signal a hypertensive crisis and requires immediate medical attention. Dangerously low blood pressure, often defined as below 90/60 mmHg, can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or, in severe cases, shock. Seek urgent medical attention if your blood pressure falls within these ranges or is accompanied by concerning symptoms.
Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings are important indicators of cardiovascular health. Systolic pressure is more strongly associated with heart disease in older adults, while elevated diastolic pressure may be more relevant in younger individuals. It is best to consult your doctor to determine whether your blood pressure readings are a cause for concern based on your age and overall health profile.
In Singapore, a normal blood pressure reading is generally considered to be below 120/80 mmHg. Readings between 130 to 139 systolic and 85 to 89 diastolic are considered high-normal, while hypertension is typically diagnosed at 140/90 mmHg or higher, based on consistent readings over time. If your blood pressure falls within a higher range, it is advisable to consult your doctor to determine whether further assessment or treatment is needed.
Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be below 120/80 mmHg, though ideal targets may vary based on medical conditions, treatment plans, and individual health status. Slightly higher readings may be acceptable in some cases depending on clinical judgement. It is best to consult your doctor to determine what is appropriate for your specific health profile.
Stroke-level blood pressure typically refers to readings at or above 180/120 mmHg, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as severe headache, vision changes, or difficulty speaking. This may indicate a hypertensive emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
Blood pressure is usually highest in the late morning and early afternoon due to natural fluctuations in the body’s circadian rhythm. It tends to rise shortly after waking, peak during mid-day, and gradually decline in the evening and while sleeping. These patterns can vary between individuals, which is why consistent timing in blood pressure monitoring is recommended for more precise comparison.
There is no medically recommended way to lower blood pressure instantly outside of emergency care, but short-term strategies like deep breathing, lying down, or avoiding stimulants may help reduce temporary spikes. For sustained control, focus on long-term measures such as dietary changes, regular physical activity, and medication if prescribed. If your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, seek immediate medical attention as this may indicate a hypertensive crisis.
Foods high in sodium, particularly processed and packaged items, are most commonly associated with increased blood pressure. Excess salt can lead to fluid retention, which raises blood volume and pressure in the arteries. Reducing sodium intake is a key part of dietary management for hypertension. If you are concerned about high blood pressure, consult your doctor to monitor your readings and determine whether treatment is needed.
A consistent blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg falls within the range of Stage 1 hypertension and is not considered normal. While a single elevated reading may not confirm a diagnosis, persistently high measurements over time should be evaluated. Consulting a doctor can help determine whether you require lifestyle changes, ongoing monitoring, or treatment based on your overall health profile.
Drinking water may help support normal blood pressure by maintaining proper hydration and blood volume, but it does not directly lower high blood pressure in a clinically significant way. It is best considered part of an overall healthy lifestyle. It is advisable to consult a doctor for personalised medical guidance on managing blood pressure or if you have not had your blood pressure checked recently.
Yes, chronic sleep deprivation can contribute to high blood pressure by raising stress hormone levels and disrupting the body’s natural ability to regulate blood pressure. Poor sleep quality has also been linked to an increased risk of developing hypertension over time. If you are concerned about high blood pressure, consult your doctor to monitor your readings and determine whether treatment, including lifestyle changes, is needed.
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