Check the cuff size is correct for your arm
Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
Keep feet flat on the floor and back supported
Keep your arm supported at heart level
Rest the cuff on bare skin on the upper arm (not over clothing)
Ensure the cuff is snug and the artery marker (if present) is over the brachial artery
Take readings at the same time of day, ideally morning and evening
Record the systolic pressure (top number) and diastolic pressure (bottom number) in mmHg
If using multiple readings, take 2–3 measurements 1 minute apart and record the average
Understand common categories by typical cutoffs:
Normal: less than 120 and less than 80
Elevated: 120–129 and less than 80
High blood pressure (Stage 1): 130–139 or 80–89
High blood pressure (Stage 2): 140 or higher or 90 or higher
Hypertensive crisis: 180 or higher and/or 120 or higher
Seek urgent care if you have a reading in the hypertensive crisis range, especially with symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, weakness/numbness, trouble speaking, vision changes)
If readings are consistently high, contact a healthcare professional for guidance and confirmation (including home monitoring)