8
BEFORE TAKING A MEASUREMENT
To ensure a reliable reading follow these recommendations:
1. Avoid eating, drinking alcohol, smoking, exercising, and bathing for
30 minutes prior to taking a measurement. Rest for at least 15
minutes prior to taking the measurement.
2. Stress raises blood pressure. Avoid taking measurements during
stressful times.
3. Measurements should be taken in a quiet place.
4. Remove tight-fitting clothing from your arm.
5. Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Rest your arm on
a table so that the cuff is at the same level as your heart.
6. Remain still and do not talk during the measurement.
7. Keep a record of your blood pressure and pulse readings for your
physician. A single measurement may not provide an accurate
indication of your true blood pressure. You need to take and record
several readings over a period of time. Try to measure your blood
pressure at about the same time each day for consistency.
