Tips for taking your blood pressure

It’s important to follow these tips, so that we can get an accurate average blood pressure for you.

Before you take your blood pressure

• Don’t take your morning medications first.
• Don’t smoke or drink/eat anything caffeinated (30 minutes before).
• Don’t exercise or do anything strenuous/stressful (30 minutes before).
• Sit and relax for 5 minutes.

How to put on the blood pressure cuff

• Use either left or right arm.
• Put the cuff on bare skin, not over a shirt.
• Make sure the inflatable part of the cuff completely covers at least 80% of your upper arm.
• Make sure the tube coming out of the cuff faces down toward your hand.
• Place your arm at heart-level, on a flat surface. Use a pillow/cushion under your arm if you need extra support.

While you take your blood pressure

• Sit in a chair with your back straight and supported.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor (not crossed).

Take your blood pressure twice

• Measure your blood pressure twice, with a brief break (about 1-2 minutes) between.
• Do not get up between readings. Continue to relax.