Tips

  1. Don't measure your BP right after waking up or after doing strenuous activities such as exercise. Do measure you BP before eating, taking medicine and exercising.
  2. Avoid food, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol intake for 30 minutes before taking a measurement.
  3. Make sure your arm is positioned properly. Always use the same arm when taking your blood pressure. Rest your arm, raised to the level of your heart, on a table, desk or arm chair.
  4. When you are ready to take your blood pressure, sit for 5 minutes in a comfortable relaxed position. Don't cross your legs and ankles and lean on the back rest. Be calm and do not talk while you are taking your blood pressure reading.
  5. Take a repeat reading. Wait for one to three minutes after the first reading, and then take another to check accuracy.