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

30 minutes before taking your blood pressure, do not:

• Eat
• Drink caffeine
• Exercise 
• Take medicine
• Smoke

Right before taking your blood pressure, do:

• Sit and rest for at least 3-5 minutes
• Go to the bathroom

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 should be uncrossed.
• Your feet should be flat on the floor.

3. Position your left arm at heart height

• Your left 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).

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 at least 1-3 minutes in between each reading before starting again.