How to measure your blood pressure at home

Blood pressure changes through the day, so one reading tells you little. Measuring at home the right way and keeping a record gives you and your health worker a much clearer picture.

Before you measure

• Don't smoke, drink coffee or exercise for 30 minutes before
• Empty your bladder
• Sit quietly in a chair with back support for 5 minutes

While you measure

• Keep both feet flat on the floor and don't cross your legs
• Rest your arm on a table with the cuff at heart level
• Put the cuff on bare skin, just above the elbow, not too tight or loose
• Don't talk or use your phone during the reading

Record your readings

Take two readings one minute apart and write both down with the date and time. If you have been asked to monitor, measure in the morning and evening for several days and take the record to your health worker.

Never change or stop your medicine because of one reading. If a reading is 180/120 or higher with chest pain, shortness of breath or severe headache, get emergency help.

This page is general health education and does not replace advice from a doctor or health worker.