Optimal rest period before blood pressure measurement

Blood pressure (BP) measurement is critical for hypertension management. Current studies indicate that individuals with normal activity levels require rest for 10–15 minutes to achieve baseline BP stability. The 2024 Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension recommend a minimum resting duration of at least 5 minutes prior to measurement—a compromise that balances ideal conditions with clinical feasibility. However, even this 5-minute minimum requirement is frequently not guaranteed in clinical practice. Ensuring this fundamental resting period is a prerequisite for obtaining reliable BP.