Use an automatic upper-arm blood pressure monitor
Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
Avoid caffeine, smoking, exercise, and alcohol for 30 minutes before measuring
Empty your bladder before measuring
Sit with your back supported and feet flat on the floor
Keep your legs uncrossed
Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is at heart level
Place the cuff on bare skin, not over clothing
Make sure the cuff fits snugly and is the correct size
Do not talk or move during the reading
Press the start button and wait for the measurement to finish
Take 2 readings, 1 minute apart
Record the date, time, systolic, and diastolic numbers
Measure at the same times each day if monitoring regularly
Follow your doctor’s instructions for how often to check your blood pressure