How to Take an Accurate Blood Pressure Reading at Home

Checking blood pressure at home helps you and your doctor see how things change from day to day. It is also easy to get a reading that is higher or lower than it should be. A few simple habits make your numbers far more useful.

Before you measure

Try to measure at the same times each day, for example in the morning before breakfast and again in the evening. Your doctor may suggest a different routine, so follow their advice first.

For 30 minutes before a reading, avoid:

• Tea, coffee and other drinks with caffeine
• Smoking
• Exercise, including climbing stairs or rushing around the house
• A heavy meal

Empty your bladder first. A full bladder can push a reading up.

Sit the right way

Posture matters more than most people expect.

• Sit on a chair with a back, not on a bed or sofa.
• Keep both feet flat on the floor and your legs uncrossed.
• Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is at the level of your heart.
• Sit quietly for about five minutes before you press start.
• Do not talk or look at your phone during the reading.

If you are helping an older relative, set up a quiet corner with a chair and small table. It makes the routine easier to keep.

Fit the cuff properly

The cuff goes on bare skin, not over a sleeve. Rolling a tight sleeve up can squeeze the arm, so it is better to wear something loose or take the arm out.

Place the cuff about two finger-widths above the inner elbow. It should feel snug, with room for one finger underneath. Check the monitor's leaflet for the arrow or marker that shows where the artery should line up.

Cuff size is important. A cuff that is too small can give a high reading, and one that is too large can give a low reading. If the cuff does not close comfortably, ask about a different size before buying.

Take two readings

Take one reading, wait a minute or two, then take a second. Write both down. Many people find the first reading is a little higher.

Use the same arm each time unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Keep a simple log

A notebook works well. For each reading, note:

1. The date and time
2. Both readings and the pulse
3. Anything unusual, such as poor sleep, pain or a missed medicine

Some monitors store readings in memory, which helps, but a written log is easy to take to the clinic.

When to get help

A home monitor does not replace your doctor. Contact your doctor or clinic if readings are often outside the range they have given you. Seek urgent medical help if a high reading comes with chest pain, a severe headache, shortness of breath, confusion, weakness on one side or trouble speaking.

Never change or stop a medicine because of a home reading without speaking to your doctor first.

Choosing a monitor

An upper-arm monitor is usually the most practical choice for home use. Look for a clear display, large buttons and the right cuff size. If you are unsure which suits your relative, our pharmacist is happy to help.

You can browse our blood pressure monitors and see delivery details before you order.