How to measure blood pressure at home
home blood pressure monitoring · blood pressure monitor · checking blood pressure at home · blood pressure log
A monitor with an upper-arm cuff shows your blood pressure and pulse. Measuring the right way matters, or the numbers will be wrong.
For high blood pressure, adjusting treatment, heart or kidney disease, or pregnancy, as your doctor advises.
⏱ Duration: about 5 to 10 minutes including rest
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- 30 minutes before. No smoking, no coffee or strong tea, and no exercise.
- Before measuring. Use the toilet and sit quietly for 5 minutes.
- Cuff. The cuff size must fit your arm. A cuff that is too small gives readings that are too high.
What to bring
- Your blood pressure monitor
- Your blood pressure log. Show it to your doctor
How it goes
- Sit on a chair with your back supported and feet flat on the floor. Do not cross your legs
- Put the cuff on your bare upper arm, 2 to 3 cm (about 1 inch) above the elbow
- Rest your arm on a table, with the cuff at heart level
- Press the button. Do not talk or move
- After 1 to 2 minutes, measure again
- Write down both results and the time
What you'll feel
- The cuff squeezes your arm tightly for a few seconds. That is normal
Afterwards
- Usually you measure morning and evening for several days in a row. Your doctor will say how many
- Do not change your medicine doses based on one reading. Show your log to your doctor
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Very high blood pressure with a headache, chest pain, trouble speaking, or weakness in an arm: call emergency services
Common questions
Which arm should I use?
The first time, use both. After that, use the arm that gave the higher reading.
Why is my blood pressure higher at the doctor's than at home?
Nerves often raise blood pressure at the doctor's office. That is why a home log is so useful.