Choose an upper-arm blood pressure monitor
Make sure the cuff fits your arm correctly
Avoid caffeine, exercise, smoking, and alcohol for 30 minutes before measuring
Empty your bladder before checking
Sit quietly for 5 minutes before taking a reading
Sit with your back supported and feet flat on the floor
Rest your arm on a table at heart level
Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing
Follow the monitor’s instructions to start the reading
Stay still and do not talk during the measurement
Take two readings, 1 minute apart
Record the date, time, and results
Check at the same time each day if monitoring regularly
Bring your readings to your healthcare provider
Seek medical help if readings are very high or you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, or confusion