Rest for 5 minutes before measuring
Sit upright with back supported
Keep feet flat on the floor
Do not cross your legs
Place your arm on a flat surface at heart level
Use the correct cuff size
Put the cuff on bare skin
Avoid caffeine, smoking, exercise, and alcohol for 30 minutes before measuring
Do not talk or move during the reading
Take two readings 1 minute apart
Measure at the same time each day
Record the results
Use the same arm each time
Follow your doctor’s instructions for home monitoring
Bring your monitor to appointments to check accuracy