Sit upright and rest quietly for 5–10 minutes
Take slow, steady breaths (inhale through nose, exhale through mouth)
Drink water if you’re dehydrated
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and energy drinks
Avoid exercise during an acute high-reading episode
Empty your bladder if needed
Recheck blood pressure after 5 minutes of rest using proper technique
Use the correct cuff size and place cuff on bare upper arm at heart level
Follow your prescribed blood pressure medication plan; take only as directed
If you miss a dose, take it only if your clinician’s instructions say to do so
If you have a prescribed “rescue” medication for very high readings, use it exactly as instructed
If symptoms occur (chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, weakness/numbness, confusion, vision changes), seek emergency care
Seek urgent medical advice if readings are extremely high (for example, systolic ≥180 or diastolic ≥120) even if you feel okay