Sit down and rest quietly
Recheck your blood pressure after 5 to 10 minutes
Keep your feet flat on the floor and your back supported
Loosen tight clothing
Take slow, deep breaths
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and exercise
Take your prescribed blood pressure medicine exactly as directed
Do not take extra doses unless a doctor has told you to
If you have a home blood pressure monitor, measure again and record the reading
Call emergency services immediately if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, confusion, weakness, vision changes, or trouble speaking
Seek urgent medical care if your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher and stays high after resting
Contact a doctor promptly if your readings are repeatedly high even without symptoms