Be still.
Don’t smoke, drink caffeinated beverages or exercise within 30 minutes before measuring your blood pressure.
Sit correctly.
Sit with your back straight and supported (on a dining chair, rather than a sofa). Your feet should be flat on the floor and your legs should not be crossed. Your arm should be supported on a flat surface (such as a table) with the upper arm at heart level. Make sure the middle of the cuff is placed directly above the eye of the elbow. Check your monitor’s instructions for an illustration or have your healthcare provider show you how.
Measure at the same time every day.
It’s important to take the readings at the same time each day, such as morning and evening, or as your healthcare professional recommends.
Take multiple readings and record the results.
Each time you measure, take two or three readings one minute apart and record the results using a printable or online tracker. If your monitor has built-in memory to store your readings, take it with you to your appointments. Some monitors may also allow you to upload your readings to a secure website after you register your profile.