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