To check your blood pressure accurately, follow these steps:
Preparing to Measure Blood Pressure
- Avoid smoking, drinking caffeinated beverages, or exercising for at least 30 minutes before measuring
- Empty your bladder before the measurement
- Sit quietly and rest for at least 5 minutes before taking the reading
- Sit in a chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor, legs uncrossed
- Rest your arm on a flat surface at heart level
- Make sure the cuff is placed on bare skin, not over clothing
Using a Blood Pressure Monitor
- Use a cuff that fits properly, typically placed about 2 cm above the elbow on the upper arm
- If using a manual device, a healthcare professional will inflate the cuff and listen to your pulse with a stethoscope as air is slowly released
- For an automatic digital monitor, the cuff inflates and measures your pulse automatically without a stethoscope
- Take two or three readings, about one to two minutes apart, and record all results
- Use the same arm consistently for measurements, preferably the one with the higher reading if you initially check both arms
- Measure your blood pressure at the same time each day for consistent tracking
Additional Tips
- Do not talk or move during the measurement as this can affect accuracy
- If readings vary significantly, take an additional measurement and calculate the average
- Keep a record of your readings to share with your healthcare provider
Where to Check Blood Pressure
- At a healthcare provider's office using manual or automated devices
- At home with a validated digital blood pressure monitor
- Some pharmacies offer blood pressure measurement kiosks with digital machines
Following these guidelines will help ensure your blood pressure readings are accurate and reliable for monitoring your cardiovascular health
