Best Practices for Taking Your Blood Pressure

When measuring your blood pressure at home, there are a few best practices we recommend to ensure you are getting the most accurate readings from your blood pressure monitor. 

1. Prepare for your reading

• Try and rest for at least 10 minutes before taking your blood pressure. 
• Don't exercise, smoke, or drink caffeinated beverages within 1 hour prior to taking your reading.

2. Sit comfortably and upright

• When you're ready to take your reading, sit upright in a comfortable position. 
• Your back should be straight and supported, your legs uncrossed, and your feet flat on the floor.

3. Position your arm at heart height

• Your arm should rest, supported, at the level of your heart (such as on a table or arm chair). 
• If your arm rests below heart level, you can elevate it using a pillow or cushion. 
• Your palm should face up. 

4. Position the cuff on your upper arm

• Secure the cuff around your upper arm with the velcro. 
• The cuff should fit snugly on your upper arm (not too tight, not too loose).
• If your cuff has a white arrow on it, the arrow should point upward towards your face. 

5. Try and stay relaxed during your reading

• Don't walk, talk, or otherwise move during your reading. 
• If you need to take multiple readings, wait 2-3 minutes in between each reading before starting again.