How to take your blood pressure

1. Use the proper size cuff

Use a blood pressure cuff that fits the circumference of the middle of your upper arm.

As a general guide:

• An adult cuff fits a circumference of 27cm – 34cm.
• A large adult cuff fits a circumference of 35cm – 44cm.
• An adult thigh cuff fits a circumference of 45cm – 52cm.

Using a cuff that is too small for your arm can give you a blood pressure reading that is falsely high.

2. Apply the cuff properly

Apply the cuff:

• Snugly against your bare skin and not over clothing.
• So its lower border is an inch above your elbow crease.

Follow the instructions/illustrations on your blood pressure cuff or in the manual to be sure the cuff is positioned correctly on your arm. Applying the cuff too tightly can give you a blood pressure reading that is falsely high.

3. Keep the cuff at heart level

Keep your arm slightly flexed and supported with the cuff at heart level.

• If your arm is unsupported, your blood pressure can read falsely high.
• If the cuff is above heart level, your blood pressure can read falsely low.
• If the cuff is below heart level, your blood pressure can read falsely high.

4. Maintain proper posture

Sit in a chair with your:

• Back supported
• Legs uncrossed
• Feet flat on the floor

5. Rest and relax

• Sit and relax for 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure.
• Don’t talk while your taking your blood pressure.
• Wait one full minute between multiple measurements.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after any nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, other stimulants.
• Wait at least 60 minutes after any strenuous exercise.

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