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Taking Your Blood Pressure
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for medical decisions.
Most Important Things to Know:
Small things can change your blood pressure reading. Getting an accurate readings means follow a few key steps.
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Important Steps:
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Take your blood pressure around the same time everyday
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Wait 30 minutes after caffeine, exercise, or smoking
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Use the bathroom and sit quietly for 5 minutes first
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Position yourself correctly (feet on the ground, back supported, arm at heart level)
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Example: If you rush to take your reading without resting, your numbers might be higher than they really are.
What You'll Learn on This Page:
Learn when to check your blood pressure to get readings you can trust.
Learn the best way to take your blood pressure from start to finish.
Step-by-step instructions to measure your blood pressure correctly.
See where we got this information and find trusted sources
When to Measure Your Blood Pressure
Talk to your doctor about the best schedule for you. The most important thing is that you take your blood pressure around the same time everyday. For many people, this is in the morning and night:
Morning Reading
Within 2 hours of waking, after bathroom, before medications
Evening Reading
Around the same time each day, before bed
Getting Ready
Wait 30 minutes after you
Drink caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drink)
Smoke or vape
Exercise
Go pee (empty your bladder)
Sit quietly for 5 minutes
Step For Taking Your Blood Pressure
1. Sit with your back supported and your feet flat on the floor
Supported back
Feet on the floor
2. Put the cuff on your bare skin
No clothes underneath
3. Rest your arm on something at the same height as the middle of your chest
Rest your arm at the same height as the middle of your chest
4. Press start
5. While It's Measuring​
Stay quiet
​Don't move
Don't look at the machine
7. Wait 1-2 Minutes and Take Your Blood Pressure Again (Reading 2)
Written by:
Last Updated: January 16, 2025
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.