Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
Avoid caffeine, smoking, exercise, and alcohol for 30 minutes before measuring
Empty your bladder if needed
Sit with your back supported and feet flat on the floor
Keep your legs uncrossed
Rest your arm on a table at heart level
Place the cuff on bare upper arm
Position the cuff about 1 inch above the elbow
Make sure the cuff is snug but not too tight
Turn on the BP machine
Stay still and do not talk during the reading
Wait for the machine to finish measuring
Record the systolic and diastolic numbers
Repeat the measurement after 1 to 2 minutes
Take 2 to 3 readings and note the average
Use the same arm each time unless told otherwise
Check the machine instructions if using a wrist or home monitor