Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and exercise for at least 30 minutes beforehand
Use the correct cuff size for your upper arm
Place the cuff on bare skin, 1–2 inches (2–3 cm) above the elbow crease
Keep your arm supported at heart level
Keep your back supported and feet flat on the floor
Keep legs uncrossed
Rest your arm and keep still during the reading
Do not talk during the measurement
Press start and remain still until the reading completes
Record the systolic and diastolic numbers and the pulse rate
Take 2 readings, 1 minute apart, and record both
If readings differ, continue taking readings until you have consistent results
Measure at the same times each day (or as directed by a clinician)
If you get a very high reading (e.g., 180/120 or higher), repeat after 5 minutes of rest and seek urgent care if it remains high or if symptoms occur (chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache, weakness, vision changes, confusion)