Make sure the blood pressure cuff is snug but not too tight.

Rest your arm with the cuff on a table at chest height.

Put both feet flat on the ground and keep your legs uncrossed.

Sit in a comfortable chair with your back supported for at least 5 minutes before your reading.

Empty your bladder before your reading.

Don’t eat or drink anything 30 minutes before you take your blood pressure.

Learn the correct way to have your blood pressure taken, whether you’re getting it checked at the doctor’s office or checking it yourself at home. A reading that says your blood pressure is higher than it actually is may lead to treatment you don’t need.ĭownload Image What is the correct way to measure blood pressure? It’s important to get an accurate blood pressure reading so that you have a clearer picture of your risk for heart disease and stroke.Ī reading that says your blood pressure is lower than it actually is may give you a false sense of security about your health. Crossing your legs and letting your arm droop at your side rather than rest on a table at chest height can make your blood pressure go up. If you smoked, drank alcohol or caffeine, or exercised within 30 minutes of having your blood pressure measured, your reading might be higher.

What you ate, drank, or did before your reading.

This is called “white coat syndrome.” As many as 1 in 3 people who have a high blood pressure reading at the doctor’s office may have normal blood pressure readings outside of it.

Nervousness about having your blood pressure taken.

Many things can affect a blood pressure reading, including: Take this form with you on your first blood pressure visit to record important blood pressure-related information.

With a home blood pressure monitor that you can use yourself.

At a pharmacy that has a digital blood pressure measurement machine.

By a health care team member at a doctor’s office.

Where can I get my blood pressure checked? High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure. Why do I need to measure my blood pressure? You and your health care team can take steps to control your blood pressure if it is too high. Measure your blood pressure regularly to help your health care team diagnose any health problems early. Shareable Handouts and Tools in English and Spanish.What should I do if my blood pressure numbers are high?.How often should I measure my blood pressure?.How can I measure my blood pressure at home?.How do health care professionals measure my blood pressure?.What is the correct way to measure blood pressure?.Where can I get my blood pressure checked?.Why do I need to measure my blood pressure?.

Printable blood pressure chart