How to measure blood pressure at home

Small things shift readings by 5 to 15 mmHg:

• Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring, feet flat, back supported.
• Rest your arm on a surface so the cuff is at heart level.
• Don’t talk during the reading.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, or exercise for 30 minutes before.
• Empty your bladder first.
• Use the same arm each time when comparing readings.

attensio’s Measurement tag category captures these conditions so you can tell a true pattern from a measurement artifact.

Sources

• Muntner et al.: Measurement of Blood Pressure in Humans, AHA Scientific Statement (Hypertension, 2019)
• American Heart Association: Monitoring Your Blood Pressure at Home

Part of attensio's Learn reference. attensio is a personal wellness journal, not a medical device, and never offers medical advice.