To get the most accurate reading, follow these guidelines:
- Do not smoke or drink caffeine (coffee, tea, cola and some sports drinks) or exercise for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure
– - Measure at the same time of day, ideally first thing in the morning. Talk to your healthcare provider about how often to check your blood pressure.
– - Some providers will ask you to take your blood pressure at different times of the day and to record the time along with the reading. Your blood pressure is not static and taking it at different times of the day will ensure that you are not missing episodes of high blood pressure at other times of the day.
– - Do not measure your blood pressure when you are upset or in pain.
– - Go to the bathroom, if necessary.
– - Sit quietly with your feet flat on the floor and back resting against the back of a chair or a firm surface for at least 5 minutes before measuring and during measurement.
– - Use the same arm each time. Remove any clothing from your arm completely.
– - Wrap the cuff snugly around your bare upper arm (2 fingers should fit between the blood pressure cuff and your arm). The edge of the cuff must be 3cm above your elbow.
– - Ensure that you have a cuff that is appropriately sized for your arm. Cuffs that are too small or too large can lead to inaccurate blood pressure readings.
– - Place your arm on a table or a firm surface. The cuff must be at the level of your heart.
– - Do not talk or watch TV during the test.
– - Take two readings one minute apart and record the results.
– - Bring a record of your readings to your next appointment with your healthcare provider.
An important step towards better health for many people is reaching a healthier weight, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. To find a physician near you who specializes in weight management, click here.
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All the information provided on this site is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. My Heart – What To Know is not a healthcare provider or clinic. ALWAYS consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this website or its use.
This article was sponsored by Novo Nordisk Canada. All content is created independently by My Heart – What To Know with no influence from Novo Nordisk.