Rest for 5 minutes before measuring
Avoid caffeine, exercise, smoking, and alcohol for 30 minutes before measuring
Empty your bladder before measuring
Sit upright with your back supported
Keep both feet flat on the floor
Do not cross your legs
Rest your arm on a table at heart level
Use the correct cuff size on bare skin
Place the cuff on the upper arm, about 1 inch above the elbow
Keep still and do not talk during the reading
Take two readings, 1 minute apart
Measure at the same times each day
Record the date, time, and results
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for how often to measure