How to take accurate blood pressure readings at home

• Use a validated automatic upper-arm monitor with the correct cuff size.
• Avoid smoking, caffeine, and exercise for 30 minutes before measuring.
• Empty your bladder and rest quietly for at least five minutes.
• Measure on bare skin rather than over clothing.

• Sit with your back supported and both feet flat on the floor.
• Keep your legs uncrossed.
• Support your arm on a flat surface so the middle of the cuff is at heart level.
• Stay still and do not talk, text, or watch something stressful during the measurement.

Follow the monitor instructions and the schedule provided by your healthcare professional. The American Heart Association recommends taking two readings one minute apart and recording the results when monitoring at home.

• Use the same arm unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise.
• Measure at approximately the same times on tracking days.
• Record both readings instead of selecting only the lower result.
• Add brief notes only when they provide useful context, such as missed medication or unusual stress.