How to measure your blood pressure at home 1) PREPARE - Avoid caffeine, cigarettes and other stimulants 30 minutes before you measure your blood pressure. - Wait at least 30 minutes after a meal. - If you’re on blood pressure medication, measure your BP before you take your medication. - Empty your bladder beforehand. - Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably without distraction. 2) POSITION - Put cuff on bare arm, above elbow at mid-arm - Position arm so cuff is at heart level - Keep arm supported, palm up, with muscles relaxed - Sit with legs uncrossed - Keep feet flat on the floor - Keep your back supported 3) MEASURE - Rest for five minutes while in position before starting. - Take two or three measurements, one minute apart. - Keep your body relaxed and in position during measurements. - Sit quietly with no distractions during measurements- avoid conversations, TV, phones and other devices. - Record your measurements when finished. #home #bloodpressure #measurement #monitoring #ambulatory #diagnosis #patientinfo #primarycare #hypertension
